Mike Rowe believes that the value of a strong work ethic has diminished.

Mike Rowe, host of "How America Works," has long been an advocate of a strong work ethic, and now he is cautioning that the value of hard work in society is being threatened.

On "The Story" Wednesday, Rowe addressed the controversy surrounding Wayfair CEO Niraj Shah's year-end email, which was deemed "outrageous" or "terrible" by some.

"Embracing long hours, being responsive, and blending work and life is not something to be afraid of," Shah's email stated. "History shows that laziness does not lead to success. Hard work is crucial for achieving success. I agree with this, and the most successful people I know do too."

"Success requires hard work, which is crucial for accomplishing tasks. Everyone has their own unique approach to achieving a fulfilling personal life, and ambitious individuals know how to balance their professional and personal lives effectively," Shah stated in his email.

Even if he wasn't necessarily wrong, Rowe said that Shah's failure to anticipate backlash from his email revealed the CEO's lack of awareness of the impact of his actions, indicating that he was "out of touch."

Rowe lamented that the new sheriff in charge of words has changed their meanings, which is a shame.

Rowe emphasized the importance of hard work and the satisfaction it brings.

""Work ethic was a virtue that was apolitical and aspired to by all because it was believed to help," he stated."

"Rowe stated that the phrase has become a triggering dog whistle, implying that if someone supports work ethic, they are supporting the greedy capitalists who exploit workers."

Rowe has highlighted the importance of hard work and skilled trades through his show "Dirty Jobs" and other platforms.

Regardless of one's role - whether an employer or an employee - maintaining a positive work ethic can help anyone and is essential for both success and personal fulfillment.

mikeroweWORKS, founded by Rowe, focuses on adapting to societal changes by teaching valuable skills and work ethic, and offers scholarships for those interested in learning in-demand skills.

The foundation advocates for community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships to address the skills gap, with a focus on acquiring practical skills necessary for the modern workforce.

"My foundation provides work ethic scholarships. Over the past 12 years, we have distributed $8 million in awards. I have witnessed this personally, and it is not just a figment of our imagination. Work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude were once widely accepted virtues. However, times have changed."