Work-life balance: Forget 70 or 90 hours workweek, Elon Musk says 120-hours per week at DOGE

The debate over long work hours is heating up again, and this time it’s gone global. It all started when Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, suggested young professionals should work 70 hours a week. This sparked a lot of backlash. Then, L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan proposed a 90-hour workweek. But just when it seemed things couldn’t get more intense, Elon Musk stepped in, suggesting a 120-hour workweek.
Musk’s post on X (formerly Twitter) quickly caught everyone’s eye. He proudly declared that DOGE follows a tough schedule, with employees working 17 hours a day, seven days a week, or 24-hour shifts for five days. While some supported Musk’s approach, many others were shocked by the idea of such long hours. Critics pointed out the toll it could take on workers’ health and wondered how anyone could stay at their best without proper rest.


The reactions were all over the place. Some people praised Musk for his dedication, while others criticized him for promoting an unhealthy work culture. Critics were quick to point out that working such long hours doesn’t necessarily equate to greater success. Others argue that the quality of work is more important than time spent at a desk. People also raised concerns about employees' well-being, saying such long hours leave little time for family or a balanced life. After all, what’s the point of working hard if you don’t have time to enjoy the rewards?
This isn't the first time long work hours have sparked debate. Murthy’s 70-hour workweek suggestion got its fair share of criticism, and Subrahmanyan’s 90-hour pitch wasn’t much better received. The idea of working such long hours doesn’t sit well with a lot of people. Critics are worried about the negative effects on mental and physical health, not to mention the impact on family time.

Musk’s bold statements also got people comparing him to some companies which are known for their high-pressure work environments. Some argue that long hours are just part of the job in business, but others wonder if this old-school way of working is still relevant. Some even joked about how Musk’s claims could only be true if DOGE employees were somehow robot or part-alien, able to sustain 120-hour workweeks without any repercussions.
But the real question is: Does working longer hours actually lead to better results? With more companies experimenting with shorter workweeks and focusing on work-life balance, many people are starting to question whether the whole "more hours equals more productivity" mindset is outdated.

Whether you’re on board with Musk’s approach or prefer Murthy’s more balanced view, one thing is clear—work culture is evolving. Musk seems ready to lead the way, no matter how many hours it takes. But with so many big names weighing in, it’ll be interesting to see who can top Musk’s 120-hour workweek—and if anyone will actually try it. So, whether you're Team Musk, Team Murthy, or just here for the memes, one thing is certain: the workweek just got a lot more complicated!
The ongoing debate about long work hours is challenging the traditional work culture. While some leaders advocate for extended workweeks, many are questioning if these extreme hours actually lead to better results. Research shows that long hours often result in burnout and decreased productivity, with work-life balance becoming more valued. Some companies are already testing shorter workweeks and promoting mental and physical health as key to success. It’s clear that productivity doesn’t just rely on time spent working but also on the efficiency, creativity, and well-being of employees.
What are your views on the on-going discussions about the increased working hours and the need for work-life balance? Tell us in the comments section below.