Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has ignited controversy on social media after claiming that employees of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) work 120 hours a week. His remarks have drawn both criticism and praise, fueling an ongoing debate about work culture and productivity.
Musk Calls Working Weekends a ‘Superpower’
Musk, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead DOGE, asserted that working weekends is a strategic advantage. “Very few in the bureaucracy actually work the weekend, so it’s like the opposing team just leaves the field for two days!” he wrote on X. He also suggested that bureaucratic inefficiency stems from a standard 40-hour workweek, adding that his department’s relentless schedule gives them an edge.
DOGE is working 120 hour a week. Our bureaucratic opponents optimistically work 40 hours a week. That is why they are losing so fast. https://t.co/dXtrL5rj1K
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
Social Media Reactions: Praise and Criticism
Musk’s statements triggered mixed reactions online. Some users called him a “terrible boss,” while others questioned the effectiveness of a 120-hour workweek. One user criticized the DOGE website, claiming it remains empty despite employees allegedly working such long hours.
Another social media user broke down the math, pointing out that if DOGE employees take two days off, they would need to work 24 hours each remaining day. “So… DOGE is made up of aliens and robots? Or is Elon just saying anything to make himself look better?” the user quipped.
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Others defended Musk’s philosophy, arguing that hard work and long hours are necessary for achieving ambitious goals. Some even likened Musk to historical figures like Napoleon, praising his “genius intellect, dragon energy, and prodigious work ethic.”
DOGE’s Mission: Cutting Bureaucratic Inefficiency
The Department of Government Efficiency, under Musk’s leadership, aims to eliminate waste and corruption in government operations. The department is set to implement Trump’s vision of a leaner and more efficient administration by July 4 next year, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Following the recent U.S. election results, Musk announced that he was seeking “super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries” willing to work over 80 hours a week on cost-cutting initiatives.
Work Hour Debate: Global Perspective
Musk’s comments come amid an ongoing debate about extended workweeks. Recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy faced backlash for advocating 90-hour and 70-hour workweeks, respectively. Their statements triggered a heated discussion on work-life balance, productivity, and employee well-being.
As Musk continues to push for extreme work schedules, the debate over work culture and efficiency in government and corporate sectors is far from over.
