Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is once again at the center of controversy after claiming that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees work 120 hours a week. His statement, posted on X, highlighted that bureaucratic inefficiency stems from employees only working 40 hours a week. He further described working weekends as a “superpower,” implying that those who do not work extra hours are at a disadvantage.

Musk’s remarks received mixed reactions. Some social media users criticized him as a “terrible boss,” while others pointed out that despite long hours, the DOGE website remains empty. Another user mocked the statement, questioning if the department was run by aliens and robots. Others, however, praised Musk for his work ethic, comparing him to Napoleon and lauding his vision for reform.
DOGE’s Role in Government Efficiency
Musk was appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with eliminating waste and corruption. The department aims to implement Trump’s vision of a leaner government, targeting July 4 next year as the deadline to showcase results.
After the US election results, Musk had invited applications for DOGE, seeking “super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries” ready to work 80+ hours per week on cost-cutting initiatives. This hiring approach aligns with his belief in intense work schedules, a stance that has drawn both admiration and criticism.
The 120-Hour Work Week Debate
Musk’s statement comes amid a broader debate on work hours, following similar remarks by Indian business leaders. Recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested employees should work 90 hours a week, while Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recommended a 70-hour work week. Both statements received significant backlash, as critics argued that long hours do not necessarily lead to productivity.
Many experts stress that efficiency and decision-making matter more than sheer work hours. As one social media user pointed out, “It’s the quality of those hours, not the quantity, that determines success.”
Conclusion
Musk’s bold claims about a 120-hour work week have ignited discussions on work culture, productivity, and government efficiency. Whether his approach succeeds in reforming bureaucracy remains to be seen, but his statements have certainly fueled debate on the future of work.