Kogan CEO Criticizes Remote Work, Calls it 'W***ing From Home'

Ruslan Kogan, the founder and CEO of online retailer Kogan.com, has voiced strong criticism of employees who work from home, characterizing the practice as 'w***ing from home.' In a video posted to Instagram, Kogan stated that individuals who are overly attached to remote work arrangements are typically not the employees an organization should prioritize.

"Those for whom working from home is so important are typically the people you don't want working from home," Kogan said. "You probably don't even want them at your organization." He posited that the most productive and engaged employees are often those who are less concerned about their work location, valuing flexibility but not prioritizing remote work as a core element.

Kogan expressed frustration with the ongoing debate, suggesting that the emphasis on remote work is detrimental to the professional development of young people and recent graduates. He recalled his own experience as a graduate, highlighting the importance of in-person interaction for learning through observation, participation in meetings, and informal office conversations. "You can't do that by clicking a video call link every now and then, so it's really hurting graduates and young recruits in organisations, the people that are the future of the country," he stated.

Some individuals have echoed Kogan's sentiments, sharing their preference for in-office work. One commenter noted a personal feeling of unproductivity when working remotely, regretting not going into the office and stating, "In the office, I smash it." Another individual, identifying as an English as a second language graduate, found that being physically present in the office facilitated learning through conversations and access to opportunities they might otherwise miss.

Conversely, others disagreed with Kogan's assessment, arguing that remote work offers significant benefits. Some cited the ability to put in unpaid overtime and manage personal tasks during the day as advantages. One commenter asserted, "There is no argument about it, work from home works," and another noted that remote work allows them to remain productive even when ill, without taking sick days.

Kogan's comments come amid a broader discussion about the future of work and the balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration. His perspective emphasizes the potential downsides of remote work, particularly for early-career professionals, while others defend its benefits for productivity and work-life integration.