Firstbase CEO urges business leaders to embrace remote work
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Chris Herd, CEO of remote work management platform Firstbase, urges top executives to reassess their perspectives on remote work, highlighting traditional offices as arenas for “performative productivity.”
His company, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins, helps businesses equip and manage their remote employees.
Reacting to a Times column criticizing work-from-home practices, Herd stated on Twitter that those distrust remote workers usually struggle with personal productivity in a remote environment. He also implied that resistance to remote work often stems from self-projection.
Despite calls from notable CEOs such as Bob Iger of Disney, Howard Schultz of Starbucks, and Robert Thomson of News Corp for employees to return to the office part-time, Herd suggests occasional off-site meetings instead of long-term office leases.
He also believes companies implementing remote work strategies can effectively draw from a broader talent pool.
While Herd champions less office-based work, some leaders argue that younger employees need an office setting to adopt company culture, establish connections, and gain mentorship.
Conversely, more established employees, particularly those with children, may favor fewer commutes and more home time.
Herd argued that “remote work” signifies working from anywhere, not just home. He advocates for an approach that entrusts employees with responsibilities, nurturing a culture of accountability and initiative.
