This Gen-Z CEO just clapped back at remote work critics

The old-school belief that grinding through long commutes and rigid office hours equates to productivity is facing a fierce challenge from Gen Z entrepreneurs.

Leading the charge is 24-year-old Vicky Owens, the Manchester-based founder of Socially Speaking, a social media agency that has already worked with global giants like Netflix, Vogue, and TikTok.

In response to critics who claim that hybrid and flexible work setups promote slacking off, Owens fires back with a bold and unapologetic stance:

“I'm not sure why older generations think suffering through a long commute will make you more productive. Taking the opportunity to rest during work is beneficial—but don't get that confused with laziness.” — The New York Post

Owens, who has overcome anxiety and panic disorder, rejects the idea that productivity is tied to office presence. She believes that flexible work improves mental health, which directly leads to better performance. Instead of forcing everyone into the same routine, she tailors work environments to individual needs, allowing employees to work where and how they’re most effective.

"I'm not sure why older generations think suffering through a long commute will make you more productive. Taking the opportunity to rest during work is beneficial—but don’t get that confused with laziness," she told The New York Post.

Owens’ stance hasn’t come without resistance. High-profile business leaders, including ex-Asda boss Lord Stuart Rose, have publicly dismissed remote work as a sign of declining work ethic. But Gen Z leaders aren’t buying it.

“Suffering through a long commute to the office has nothing to do with how much work an employee will get done during the day. When I work from home, I sometimes literally just stay in bed on my laptop. My body gets so exhausted from working, sometimes it’s beneficial to rest.” — The Economic Times