I think it's one of those situations where there can be two truths. But I do believe that with proper systems in place and having some sort of hybrid or annual offsite, can still produce results just as strongly as being at the office full-time. Working remotely has changed my life entirely, but I do have a hybrid system I put in place for myself in making the effort of attending industry events, going on off-site retreats, etc., etc.
I completely agree about the "two truths." Everyone works and operates differently. Everyone has different preferences and needs. There is no reason to create a one-size-fits-all approach. As we say in advertising "when you target everyone, you target no one."
This is not a debate or quandary. In 2026, lots of work is possible anywhere with a phone or laptop and WiFi connection.
The missing leg on this stool is hybrid work done remotely and in the office. "Osmosis" also is possible anywhere.
The issue to me is what works best where and when.
Osmosis is not place-based. I've experienced it in offices, on cell and Zoom calls and brainstorming on AI.
I think Gary is dead on. There is no right answer to what works best for folks. It just depends on your situation and the elasticity of your boss.
If there is an issue, it's your office culture and the controls and trust within it. Without trust, much of what I've suggested is not possible and if controls are rigid, evolution possible with advances in techology and speed also cannot be explored.
The debate regarding office versus remote was yesterday. The debates today surround how much creativity and reach company cultures allow.
I believe hybrid works best. I get your reasonings around osmosis but that only works when everyone is in office— including top executives— which if we’re being honest go into office 2-3x a week nowadays. Even back in 2017-2021 I remember that to be the norm. (I realize I can’t speak for VaynerX Executives, etc. )
I also believe commuting to work if it’s > 30 minutes (traffic or not) takes a toll on both the mind and the body. Yes, a person can use that time to further educate themselves and listen to insightful podcasts but that takes mental bandwidth. I don’t think people realize the level of focus a person has to have when driving plus listen to educational podcast, let alone retain it. So, in theory, a person is actually “working” — making work days feel longer.
Welcome to the Substack chop shop. Stoked that you came over. Please allow me to clarify.
Forty year ago, when I was an unmarried reporter, I worked from a City Hall bureau office with editors in a newsroom in a separate office. I'd visit the newsroom maybe 3,4 times a month and spent the rest of the time digging for stories where they were, in City Hall. I was unknowingly working a hybrid schedule long before it became today's workplace debate. Out equipment was crude by today's standard, but you know what? I worked.that way for five years, dug up scoop after scoop, and experienced osmosis numerous times using landline phones that also handled our transmission of copy. I was trusted by my editors and delivered for them. So I know a little about remote and hybrid working arrangements.
The other time was during the pandemic, of necessity.
Admittedly, this sort of arrangement wouldn't fit lots of jobs. But increasingly, for us "knowledge workers," it can and does work today.
I might add, the advent of AI could greatly speed the research required to perform deadline reporting of breaking news.
I respect your take on this topic. I simply wanted to convey that remote and hybrid work have grown gray beards. The current crop of leaders seem to be intimidated by it or they lack trust in their employees. Imo, these realities will only discourage a style of work from evolving from its most current roots, the pandemic.
But the fact is, its roots are much older. It's in a state of evolution that I suspect will only grow beyond the 25 percent of the workforce it represents today.
Until later, much respect to you, Gary. I dig your stuff all over social.
with the right culture you can make either work, I've done full remote at a few companies now. Some were great: quick replies, a lot of engagement on slack, shared time working on an open slack call so we could ask questions and chit chat. Others were awful, meetings always punted, no/minimal engagement online. I think a hybrid is best with the flexibility to wfh when needed but if you have the right people having someone fully remote can absolutely work.
Well said, Gary! it's all about your chronotype and flow patterns. if you're a night owl or an early bird or if you're a social butterfly or wallflower all of these dispositions are import for finding your fit. There's no one-size fits all.
Gary, welcome to Substack, look forward to reading more. There is much truth to what you are saying about osmosis for most service based organizations. It comes down to trust and when you have a honey bee culture like you have, it is easier. I was walking through City Winery one day 2 years ago and a young person came to me and said, "Mr. Dorf, I'd like to start working from home on Fridays like some of my friends". I had never met him, asked his name and what he did with us, and he replied he "was a bartender." I kept a straight face and asked what he would do from home (on Fridays) serving people, he replied he would study more about wine and mixology. I liked his chutzpah, but osmosis here would not help make better mimosas. He really wanted off on Fridays and there are some areas where remote work will not work--absolutely!
I’m think younger people need to be in the office for learning and social reasons. It’s a skill to learn how to work with others. Also I am very concerned about social isolation that many not just young adults suffer from. Men in particular, I am seeing so much depression among men middle aged in particular. If you are involved in sports or and hobby that you socialize that’s very helpful.
This is one of the few takes on this debate that doesn’t try to force a binary answer.
You’re right. Productivity and preference are often life-stage dependent. Stanford research showed remote workers can be around 13 percent more productive on focused tasks, yet early-career development often benefits from proximity and informal learning.
The poll result is interesting too. When the pay gap is that wide, economics tends to win over ideology.
The real tension isn’t remote versus office. It’s output versus comfort.
Do you think most leaders are designing around performance, or around what feels culturally safer right now?
I enjoy working in the office but I also can make good use of my remote time.
I appreciate Gary’s take here. After years at the executive level, I’ve always believed the conversation isn’t really remote vs. in-office, but it’s about flexibility and being intentional about how work gets done.
Some work benefits from being together. Some people do their best work with more autonomy. I have developed flexible plans for workplaces that work. I believe that strong organizations design for both and stay focused on outcomes.
It really is a tiresome argument. Results and meaningful work should be the anchor
Back in the “old days” when I started my career in B2B sales, we had the original hybrid model. We were in the office or we had meetings at clients’ offices. We learned from our managers and colleagues in the office. I can’t imagine NOT having that experience as it was how we learned the art of selling from others. Completely agree with Gary’s views on this!
I think it's one of those situations where there can be two truths. But I do believe that with proper systems in place and having some sort of hybrid or annual offsite, can still produce results just as strongly as being at the office full-time. Working remotely has changed my life entirely, but I do have a hybrid system I put in place for myself in making the effort of attending industry events, going on off-site retreats, etc., etc.
I completely agree about the "two truths." Everyone works and operates differently. Everyone has different preferences and needs. There is no reason to create a one-size-fits-all approach. As we say in advertising "when you target everyone, you target no one."
I couldn’t agree more! You can’t please everyone and that shouldn’t be the goal anyways!
I enjoy working at home.
I also miss being around people.
Not the drama queens but the people who actually give you ideas and energy I miss that.
I don't miss driving 40 mins but there are absolutely positives in the office space.
Being in a good space helps you grow and your brain flow with content
This is not a debate or quandary. In 2026, lots of work is possible anywhere with a phone or laptop and WiFi connection.
The missing leg on this stool is hybrid work done remotely and in the office. "Osmosis" also is possible anywhere.
The issue to me is what works best where and when.
Osmosis is not place-based. I've experienced it in offices, on cell and Zoom calls and brainstorming on AI.
I think Gary is dead on. There is no right answer to what works best for folks. It just depends on your situation and the elasticity of your boss.
If there is an issue, it's your office culture and the controls and trust within it. Without trust, much of what I've suggested is not possible and if controls are rigid, evolution possible with advances in techology and speed also cannot be explored.
The debate regarding office versus remote was yesterday. The debates today surround how much creativity and reach company cultures allow.
GaryVaynerchuk……I agree with you!! There is serendipity that occurs when you work with other people in the office ❤️
I believe hybrid works best. I get your reasonings around osmosis but that only works when everyone is in office— including top executives— which if we’re being honest go into office 2-3x a week nowadays. Even back in 2017-2021 I remember that to be the norm. (I realize I can’t speak for VaynerX Executives, etc. )
I also believe commuting to work if it’s > 30 minutes (traffic or not) takes a toll on both the mind and the body. Yes, a person can use that time to further educate themselves and listen to insightful podcasts but that takes mental bandwidth. I don’t think people realize the level of focus a person has to have when driving plus listen to educational podcast, let alone retain it. So, in theory, a person is actually “working” — making work days feel longer.
Gary Vee,
Welcome to the Substack chop shop. Stoked that you came over. Please allow me to clarify.
Forty year ago, when I was an unmarried reporter, I worked from a City Hall bureau office with editors in a newsroom in a separate office. I'd visit the newsroom maybe 3,4 times a month and spent the rest of the time digging for stories where they were, in City Hall. I was unknowingly working a hybrid schedule long before it became today's workplace debate. Out equipment was crude by today's standard, but you know what? I worked.that way for five years, dug up scoop after scoop, and experienced osmosis numerous times using landline phones that also handled our transmission of copy. I was trusted by my editors and delivered for them. So I know a little about remote and hybrid working arrangements.
The other time was during the pandemic, of necessity.
Admittedly, this sort of arrangement wouldn't fit lots of jobs. But increasingly, for us "knowledge workers," it can and does work today.
I might add, the advent of AI could greatly speed the research required to perform deadline reporting of breaking news.
I respect your take on this topic. I simply wanted to convey that remote and hybrid work have grown gray beards. The current crop of leaders seem to be intimidated by it or they lack trust in their employees. Imo, these realities will only discourage a style of work from evolving from its most current roots, the pandemic.
But the fact is, its roots are much older. It's in a state of evolution that I suspect will only grow beyond the 25 percent of the workforce it represents today.
Until later, much respect to you, Gary. I dig your stuff all over social.
I'm in Gary, and writing about a better world with AI. I have been working in AI for 13 years now, and this is the most promising we've ever seen.
My Substack
Trusting In an AI world!
https://open.substack.com/pub/thereverendrob/p/trusting-in-an-ai-world?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
with the right culture you can make either work, I've done full remote at a few companies now. Some were great: quick replies, a lot of engagement on slack, shared time working on an open slack call so we could ask questions and chit chat. Others were awful, meetings always punted, no/minimal engagement online. I think a hybrid is best with the flexibility to wfh when needed but if you have the right people having someone fully remote can absolutely work.
Well said, Gary! it's all about your chronotype and flow patterns. if you're a night owl or an early bird or if you're a social butterfly or wallflower all of these dispositions are import for finding your fit. There's no one-size fits all.
Gary, welcome to Substack, look forward to reading more. There is much truth to what you are saying about osmosis for most service based organizations. It comes down to trust and when you have a honey bee culture like you have, it is easier. I was walking through City Winery one day 2 years ago and a young person came to me and said, "Mr. Dorf, I'd like to start working from home on Fridays like some of my friends". I had never met him, asked his name and what he did with us, and he replied he "was a bartender." I kept a straight face and asked what he would do from home (on Fridays) serving people, he replied he would study more about wine and mixology. I liked his chutzpah, but osmosis here would not help make better mimosas. He really wanted off on Fridays and there are some areas where remote work will not work--absolutely!
I am just watching a yt video and it’s literally talking about men and loneliness epidemic!! Chris Koerner
I’m think younger people need to be in the office for learning and social reasons. It’s a skill to learn how to work with others. Also I am very concerned about social isolation that many not just young adults suffer from. Men in particular, I am seeing so much depression among men middle aged in particular. If you are involved in sports or and hobby that you socialize that’s very helpful.
This is one of the few takes on this debate that doesn’t try to force a binary answer.
You’re right. Productivity and preference are often life-stage dependent. Stanford research showed remote workers can be around 13 percent more productive on focused tasks, yet early-career development often benefits from proximity and informal learning.
The poll result is interesting too. When the pay gap is that wide, economics tends to win over ideology.
The real tension isn’t remote versus office. It’s output versus comfort.
Do you think most leaders are designing around performance, or around what feels culturally safer right now?
I enjoy working in the office but I also can make good use of my remote time.
I appreciate Gary’s take here. After years at the executive level, I’ve always believed the conversation isn’t really remote vs. in-office, but it’s about flexibility and being intentional about how work gets done.
Some work benefits from being together. Some people do their best work with more autonomy. I have developed flexible plans for workplaces that work. I believe that strong organizations design for both and stay focused on outcomes.
It really is a tiresome argument. Results and meaningful work should be the anchor
Only 3-5% of the U.S workforce fit this demo.
A more representative question might be:
“Would you take a 20–30% pay cut for full remote flexibility?”
That applies to a far larger portion of the workforce. possibly 20–30% of mid-career professionals.
Back in the “old days” when I started my career in B2B sales, we had the original hybrid model. We were in the office or we had meetings at clients’ offices. We learned from our managers and colleagues in the office. I can’t imagine NOT having that experience as it was how we learned the art of selling from others. Completely agree with Gary’s views on this!