2 hours ago
3
In an era where conversations about
work-life balance
are gaining traction worldwide, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reignited the debate with his latest remarks. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk asserted that
working on weekends
is a "superpower." His statement came in response to a user referencing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new entity that Musk has been actively involved with. The billionaire entrepreneur emphasized that bureaucratic workers in the United States seldom work on weekends, likening it to the opposing team abandoning the field for two days. His comment—“Very few in the bureaucracy actually work the weekend, so it’s like the opposing team just leaves the field for 2 days! Working the weekend is a superpower.”—has sparked discussions on workplace culture, efficiency, and the changing expectations of employees in modern work environments.
This remark comes amidst growing global discussions on work ethics, productivity, and the balance between professional and personal lives. Similar comments made by corporate leaders in the past have been met with both criticism and support, particularly regarding the expectation of extended work hours. The topic remains divisive, with some advocating for a return to longer work weeks to boost economic growth, while others stress the importance of employee well-being.
Elon Musk says weekend hustle sets you apart
Elon Musk's work ethic has often been a subject of discussion, with reports of him sleeping at Tesla factories, SpaceX facilities, and more recently, at DOGE headquarters. DOGE, based in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, is a new governmental initiative aimed at improving efficiency and cutting costs. Musk's alleged commitment to his work at DOGE has been so intense that it has been reported he spends nights at the headquarters to maximize productivity.
Musk’s latest statement about working weekends being a "superpower" has received mixed reactions. Supporters of his philosophy argue that his success in leading multiple billion-dollar companies is a testament to the effectiveness of relentless hard work. On the other hand, critics argue that glorifying excessive work hours could lead to burnout and unhealthy work environments, especially if adopted as a standard expectation rather than a personal choice.
Comparisons to previous workweek debates
Musk's comments come at a time when debates over extended work hours are already making headlines. Last year, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S. N. Subrahmanyan faced backlash for endorsing a 90-hour workweek. In a viral video, he was seen advocating for employees to work on Sundays, which sparked controversy and drew widespread criticism online. Many saw his statement as a regressive approach to work-life balance, especially in a time when companies are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being.
Similarly, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy also stirred debates in India when he voiced support for a six-day workweek. Murthy, known for his role in shaping India’s IT sector, stated that he regrets shifting from a six-day to a five-day workweek back in 1986. His comments led to a nationwide discussion on whether longer workweeks are necessary to enhance productivity and economic growth, or if they hinder employee satisfaction and creativity.
Reactions to Elon Musk’s statement
Musk’s take on weekend work has sparked reactions from corporate leaders, social media users, and business analysts. Kotak Mahindra AMC's Managing Director, Nilesh Shah, commented on the potential reactions to Musk’s statement, questioning whether the billionaire would receive criticism similar to that directed at Murthy and Subrahmanyan, or if he would be praised simply because of his status. "It will be interesting to see how people react to this comment. Will he get memes like NRM (Narayana Murthy) and SNS (Subrahmanyan) or will he get appreciation because he is Elon Musk?" Shah wrote.
While some online users praised Musk’s dedication, arguing that working hard is essential for success, others highlighted concerns over toxic
work culture
and the diminishing boundaries between professional and personal life. Many professionals argue that productivity is not necessarily linked to the number of hours worked but rather to the efficiency and effectiveness of work strategies.
Also read | Genshin Impact Codes | Fruit Battlegrounds Codes | Blox Fruits Codes | Peroxide Codes
