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A former Amazon executive has highlighted the growing disconnect between senior leadership and employees when it comes to remote work, arguing that top executives fail to grasp the challenges faced by their workforce.
Ethan Evans, a retired vice president at Amazon Prime Gaming, took to social media to share his thoughts on the stark contrast between the priorities of corporate leaders and those of the average worker.
“As a retired Amazon VP who experienced a 9,082% increase in Amazon stock during my time, I am out of touch with many common life struggles,” he wrote on X. “The SVPs and CEOs above me are often more so.”
Evans’ comments come as companies, including Amazon, continue to enforce return-to-office (RTO) mandates, often facing pushback from employees who have come to value the flexibility of remote work.
Executives insulated from reality
In his post, Evans acknowledged that his financial success has allowed him to bypass many of the everyday responsibilities that employees must juggle.
“I don’t clean my house, mow my lawn, or worry about paying off a mortgage,” he admitted, explaining that hired staff handle these tasks, giving him more time to focus on work.
For those even higher up the corporate ladder, the level of insulation is even greater. Evans said many senior executives have access to private jets, personal assistants, and full-time household staff, allowing them to dedicate nearly all their time to their professional lives.
That level of privilege, he argues, is a key reason why many leaders push for an end to remote work.
“If work is the main focus of your life, then returning to the office might seem like a natural priority,” he explained.
For employees balancing work with childcare, however, household chores, and long commutes, RTO presents a significant challenge.
Why RTO mandates spark resistance
Evans outlined how this disconnect manifests in executive decision-making. For leaders accustomed to luxury, commuting is rarely a concern.
“No need to commute, your driver takes you door to door while you work in the back. No need to hurry home to pick up the kids, the PA does it. No need to shop, clean, or cook, the staff does it all,” he wrote.
In contrast, the average employee must juggle these responsibilities alongside their job, making remote work an essential tool for work-life balance.
This, Evans suggested, explains why many employees remain resistant to full-time office returns.
While stressing that he was not criticizing executive wealth, Evans argued that leaders need to recognize their privilege and the impact it has on their decision-making.
“The average family, even the average tech or knowledge worker, does not have these benefits,” he wrote.
As the debate over remote work continues, Evans’ perspective raises important questions about whether corporate leaders are truly considering the realities of their employees, or simply making decisions based on a life of privilege that most workers do not experience.
