Elon Musk declares US govt department DOGE works 120 hours per week; here’s how it may affect health

Unsurprisingly, Musk’s remarks invited mixed reactions online. While some users applauded his “hustle culture” mentality, others were quick to call him a “terrible boss.” One user even pointed out the irony of Musk’s claim, stating that the DOGE website remains empty despite employees allegedly working 120 hours per week.

DOGE is working 120 hour a week. Our bureaucratic opponents optimistically work 40 hours a week. That is why they are losing so fast. https://t.co/dXtrL5rj1K

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025

Musk’s comments come amid an ongoing debate about work hours in India after L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested a 90-hour workweek and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy proposed a 70-hour workweek—both of which sparked a major backlash.

Musk formed DOGE in cooperation with the Trump administration with the stated goal of finding ways to fire federal workers, cut programmes and slash federal regulations. (Reuters Photo)

What happens when you work 120 hours a week?

To put things into perspective, a 120-hour workweek means working more than 17 hours a day, every single day. But is this level of productivity sustainable—or even healthy?

We spoke to Srishti Vatsa, a counselling psychologist, who explained that pushing the human body beyond its limits for prolonged periods has serious mental and physical consequences.

1. Sleep Deprivation and Physical Exhaustion

Working excessive hours disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, leading to chronic exhaustion and reliance on stimulants like caffeine to stay awake. “The body’s rhythms get thrown off, and inconsistent rest leads to long-term health risks,” Vatsa warns.

2. Declining Mental Health and Emotional Suppression

Sleep deprivation weakens immunity, reduces focus, and affects decision-making abilities. It can also lead to emotional suppression—where anger, resentment, and stress build up inside, manifesting as tension headaches, digestive issues, or chronic fatigue.

3. Strained Personal Relationships

Extreme work schedules often leave individuals emotionally disconnected from their loved ones. “The brain becomes overwhelmed with work demands and struggles to absorb personal conversations. This can leave family members feeling unheard, undervalued, and disconnected.

4. Carrying Workplace Stress Home

Workplace stress doesn’t just stay at work—it follows employees home. Vatsa warns that parents who work excessively may not be mentally present for their children, leading to emotional shutdown and strained family dynamics.

5. Disengagement and “Silent Quitting”

Ironically, overworked employees often end up disengaging from work altogether. “People may show up physically but contribute the bare minimum,” Vatsa explains. This can lead to passive quitting, where employees pretend to work but actually waste time—a form of subtle rebellion against an unsustainable system.

The verdict: Hard work vs. burnout

While dedication and ambition are valuable, research overwhelmingly shows that excessive work hours lead to burnout, health issues, and decreased productivity in the long run. A sustainable work-life balance—not extreme workweeks—is key to long-term success and well-being.

Musk’s “weekend warriors” mentality may work for some, but for most, working 120 hours a week isn’t a superpower—it’s a recipe for burnout.