Additional Coverage:
- Elon Musk says DOGE works 120 hours a week as he brings Silicon Valley grind culture to government (newsbreak.com)
Elon Musk, the new head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is wasting no time shaking things up in Washington. He recently claimed DOGE employees are working 120 hours a week while criticizing the traditional 40-hour workweek of other government employees.
Musk’s comments, posted on social media, praised weekend work and implied government workers are less dedicated than his team. He suggested this intense work ethic is why DOGE is making rapid progress.
This demanding schedule translates to over 17 hours of work per day, seven days a week. Musk’s reputation for long hours is well-established, and he has reportedly expected similar dedication from employees at his other companies.
Some experts believe Musk’s approach, while extreme, could be effective in streamlining DOGE. They point to his focus on efficiency and cost-cutting as key advantages.
Others caution against the potential for burnout and decreased productivity from such a demanding schedule. They suggest Musk’s comments are more about setting a tone of dedication rather than literally requiring excessive hours. Even those who work long hours acknowledge the importance of time off for generating new ideas.