Elon Musk, the tech visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, recently made a startling revelation about the intense work schedule of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. According to Musk, his employees are clocking an exhausting 120 hours per week, a commitment he believes gives them an edge over their competitors who work a more conventional 40-hour schedule. However, this extreme level of dedication comes at a steep price—one that significantly affects physical and mental well-being.
While pushing boundaries is essential for innovation, science consistently warns against the dangers of chronic overworking. Working excessive hours can have a detrimental impact on cognitive function, overall health, and even life expectancy. Let’s take a deeper dive into the serious effects of overworking on the mind and body.
The Reality of a 120-Hour Workweek
To put things into perspective, a week consists of 168 hours. If an individual works 120 of those hours, only 48 hours remain for all other activities, including eating, hygiene, commuting, and socialising. If we assume that all remaining time is dedicated solely to sleep, that still leaves less than seven hours per night, which is below the recommended minimum of seven to nine hours for optimal health. Factor in real-world necessities like travel time and meal preparation, and workers are likely functioning on even less sleep.
Musk’s philosophy of workaholism is well-documented, as he has admitted to sleeping in factories and barely taking time off. However, medical research suggests that such an intense lifestyle isn’t just unsustainable but also counterproductive.
The Physical Toll of Extreme Work Hours
Long work hours have been linked to numerous health risks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), working 55 hours or more per week increases the likelihood of stroke by 35% and the risk of heart disease by 17%. Overworking also raises the chances of developing diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
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Lack of sleep and chronic stress elevate cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and weakened immunity. This means overworked individuals are more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Additionally, the body requires rest for cell repair and rejuvenation. Skipping adequate rest impairs recovery, making people more prone to burnout and fatigue-related conditions.
Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Risks
It is no surprise that sleep deprivation and long work hours negatively affect cognitive function. Studies have shown that after 17 to 19 hours of wakefulness, brain function mirrors that of a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, which is close to the legal limit for intoxication in many countries.
Lack of rest hampers concentration, problem-solving abilities, and memory retention. Over time, it can contribute to serious conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Chronic stress and exhaustion lead to mood swings, irritability, and reduced emotional regulation, making it harder to maintain healthy relationships or make sound decisions.
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Diminishing Returns on Productivity
While Musk’s ideology promotes working long hours as a path to success, research contradicts this belief. A study from Stanford University found that productivity sharply declines after 50 hours of work per week, with minimal gains beyond 70 hours. In other words, the extra hours don’t translate to increased output. Instead, they contribute to errors, impaired judgment, and poor-quality work.
Countries and industries that have experimented with reduced work hours have found that employees become more productive when well-rested. For instance, pilot regulations limit work hours to prevent fatigue-related errors. Similarly, some corporations have adopted four-day workweeks with improved efficiency and job satisfaction.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
Overworking may appear to be a badge of honour, but in reality, it often leads to burnout, health complications, and diminished performance. To maintain peak mental and physical health, experts recommend prioritising rest, setting work boundaries, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation.
Simple strategies such as getting seven to nine hours of sleep, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones can counteract the negative effects of prolonged work hours. Sustainable productivity isn’t about working harder but working smarter.
Bottomline
Elon Musk’s work ethic is often celebrated, but his gruelling schedule raises valid concerns about the impact of overworking on overall well-being. While ambition and dedication are essential for success, they shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s health and longevity.
The evidence is clear: working excessively long hours not only deteriorates physical and mental health but also reduces efficiency in the long run. True success isn’t about how many hours you work—it’s about making those hours count.