Athira Sethu
Kochi, 3 February 2025
Elon Musk contributed to a new debate in recent times over work-life balance and productivity with his statement that “working the weekend is a superpower.” According to a post from X, while most people in the bureaucracy do not work during the weekends, that advantage is given to those who do. In Musk’s words, “working weekends gives someone an edge since the competition isn’t working and that seems to make it like they’re winning without anyone else on the field.”
While Musk’s view may inspire people working in high-pressure industries like tech and startups, many experts warn that constantly working weekends can lead to burnout, lower productivity, and poor mental health. It’s a reminder that, although hard work can lead to success, balancing work and rest is also important.
Musk is no stranger to making a bold statement regarding work culture. He has slammed remote work as “morally wrong” in the past and said it introduces a double standard. According to Musk, the only way in which fairness can be achieved or productivity increased, is through in-person work. For him, working from home would mean living in a “la-la land,” while people on factory jobs or delivery roles don’t have much of a choice but to show up at a workplace.
It’s not the first time that such opinions have caused controversy. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek was essential for India’s progress. Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan also faced criticism for suggesting 90-hour workweeks for workers. Both suggestions were criticized and their comments were turned into memes on social media by many.
The MD of Kotak Mahindra AMC, Nilesh Shah, addressed Musk’s post and questioned whether he will receive the same reaction as Murthy and Subrahmanyan or if people will treat him like a tech billionaire and appreciate him. Global sentiment on long working hours and work-life balance remains contentious.
