Elon Musk is known for his relentless work ethic and high expectations from his teams. After taking charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he proudly announced that he and his team were working 120-hour weeks to deliver optimal results for the Trump 2.0 administration. He even took a jab at the bureaucracy, stating, “Our bureaucratic opponents optimistically work 40 hours a week. That is why they are losing so fast.”
However, working such extreme hours raises serious concerns about employee well-being, productivity, and long-term health risks. Let’s take a closer look at the dark side of this grueling work culture and why such excessive work schedules may do more harm than good.
Breaking Down the Numbers: How Much Time Is Left?
A week consists of 168 hours (24 hours × 7 days).
If Musk’s DOGE employees truly work 120 hours per week, they are left with only 48 hours for everything else—sleep, eating, personal hygiene, commuting, family time, and relaxation.
How Much Sleep Can They Get?
Let’s assume they dedicate all of the remaining 48 hours solely to sleep. That would amount to 6.8 hours of sleep per night (48 hours ÷ 7 days).
However, this is an unrealistic assumption. Workers need time to eat, shower, commute, and perhaps even have a few minutes of personal time. This means their actual sleep hours would be significantly lower.
Factor in commuting and other essential tasks, and their sleep may drop to 4-5 hours per night—far below the recommended 7-9 hours for adults.
The Science Behind Sleep Deprivation
Sleep is not a luxury; it is an essential function of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting less than seven hours of sleep regularly is linked to:
✔️ Weight gain and obesity
✔️ Increased risk of diabetes
✔️ High blood pressure
✔️ Heart disease and stroke
✔️ Depression and mood disorders
The CDC Warns of Health Risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:
- 35% higher risk of stroke
- 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of mental health disorders
In short, pushing workers to their limits may backfire, leading to more health issues, absenteeism, and even premature deaths.
Is More Work Really More Productive?
Musk’s reasoning is simple: More hours = More output. But does it work that way?
The Stanford Study on Productivity
A 2014 Stanford University study found that productivity per hour drops sharply after 50 hours of work per week. In fact, the study concluded that working 70 hours per week results in nearly the same output as working 56 hours—meaning those extra 14 hours are essentially wasted effort.
The WHO Study on Overwork
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a study in 2021 stating that in 2016 alone, 745,000 people died due to overwork (55+ hours per week).
The study also highlighted that working beyond 55 hours a week results in:
✔️ 35% higher risk of stroke
✔️ 17% higher risk of heart disease
Clearly, extreme work hours do not necessarily translate to better results. Instead, they increase the risk of burnout, poor performance, and fatal health conditions.
The Mental Toll of Extreme Work Culture
Apart from physical health, working 120-hour weeks takes a serious toll on mental well-being.
Effects of Chronic Overwork on Mental Health
🚨 Increased Stress Levels: Constant pressure can lead to chronic stress, which is linked to anxiety and depression.
🚨 Cognitive Decline: Sleep deprivation affects decision-making, concentration, and creativity.
🚨 Mood Swings and Irritability: Overworked employees are more prone to frustration, anger, and emotional instability.
🚨 Burnout and Mental Exhaustion: Employees working long hours often experience complete mental and physical exhaustion, leading to decreased engagement and job dissatisfaction.
In severe cases, sleep deprivation can even cause psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia.
The Musk Mindset: No Remote Work & Maximum Effort
In 2023, Musk famously stated that remote work is “morally wrong.” This implies that DOGE employees likely do not have the option to work from home, further adding to their stress due to commuting and lack of flexibility.
In contrast, studies have shown that flexible working hours and remote work boost productivity, morale, and overall job satisfaction—factors that Musk’s extreme work culture appears to ignore.
The Bigger Picture: Is This Sustainable?
Musk’s relentless drive is well-documented. He has often spoken about his own insane work hours, once saying, “Nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week.”
However, studies suggest that long-term overwork leads to diminishing returns. In the end, a burned-out, sleep-deprived team is less efficient, more prone to mistakes, and at greater risk of quitting.
Alternative Approaches to Productivity
✔️ Encouraging a work-life balance improves employee morale and efficiency.
✔️ Flexible work policies lead to increased output and creativity.
✔️ Prioritizing sleep and mental health results in higher overall performance.
Many companies—Google, Microsoft, and even Tesla’s rival firms—have realized that employee well-being is directly tied to productivity.
Is the Hustle Culture Worth It?
While Musk’s ambition is undeniable, the 120-hour workweek at DOGE raises serious ethical and health concerns. The data is clear: Extreme overwork does not lead to higher productivity—it leads to burnout, inefficiency, and severe health risks.
Instead of glorifying sleepless nights and endless work, businesses must recognize that well-rested, mentally stable employees perform better and drive long-term success.
The real question is: Will Musk acknowledge these dangers and adjust his approach, or will he continue to push his teams to the brink? Only time will tell.
