Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is implementing an intense work culture within the federal government. He emphasizes that DOGE employees are working up to 120 hours per week to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending. Musk contrasts this with traditional government employees, who typically work 40-hour weeks, suggesting that the extended hours give DOGE a competitive advantage in streamlining operations.
Musk’s approach reflects his well-known “hardcore” work ethic, previously seen in his leadership at companies like Tesla and SpaceX. He believes that such dedication is necessary to achieve significant reductions in federal spending, with goals of cutting up to $1 trillion from the budget. This initiative includes measures such as canceling government contracts, shutting down agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and offering incentives for federal employees to resign.
However, this aggressive strategy has raised legal and ethical concerns. Critics question the legality of DOGE’s actions, including accessing sensitive government systems and making unilateral decisions without congressional oversight. Lawsuits have been filed challenging the department’s authority and transparency, alleging violations of privacy laws and overreach beyond its established mandate.
Despite these challenges, Musk remains steadfast in his mission to reform government operations. He argues that the traditional 40-hour workweek is insufficient for the scale of change required and views weekend work as an untapped “superpower” for achieving efficiency. This perspective aligns with recent calls from other business leaders advocating for longer work hours to boost productivity.
As DOGE continues its efforts, the debate over work-life balance and the ethics of such demanding work expectations persists. While some praise the initiative’s ambition, others caution against potential negative impacts on employee well-being and the importance of maintaining checks and balances within government operations.
