Shocking Work Culture Shift: Companies Now Advertising 70-Hour Work Weeks as a Job Benefit

The Rise of Extreme Work Culture Advertising

The American workplace is experiencing a dramatic cultural shift that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Companies are now openly advertising grueling work schedules and extreme expectations as job benefits, completely abandoning the work-life balance promises that once dominated corporate recruitment.

A recent job posting from software company Gorilla exemplifies this disturbing trend. The company’s senior engineer position explicitly warns potential applicants: “If you’re not excited about working 70 hours a week in person, don’t apply.” This isn’t an isolated incident – it’s part of a growing movement where companies are ditching traditional work-life balance perks in favor of what they call “transparent expectations” about extreme work demands.

This shift represents a fundamental change in how companies approach recruitment and employee expectations. Instead of promoting flexible schedules, remote work options, or wellness programs, employers are now advertising their demanding work cultures as selling points. The message is clear: if you’re not ready to grind nonstop, don’t apply.

Why Companies Are Embracing This Approach

Rila CEO’s perspective sheds light on this controversial approach. He argues that transparency about extreme work expectations actually benefits both companies and employees. “The problem is when companies are not transparent with people, when they say they have the real expectations, but they don’t tell people ahead of time,” he explains. “So then they join and then everybody’s off. The employees off, the company’s off.”

The CEO’s logic is that by being upfront about demanding 70-hour work weeks, companies can attract candidates who genuinely want that lifestyle. “Every single person that has been hired at Rila knows that that’s what they’re signing up for, and they’re self-selecting it,” he says. “They’re literally saying, I love that.”

Several factors are driving this extreme work culture trend. First, companies currently have significant leverage in the hiring market. With hiring slowing over the past few years and many organizations in a position to be selective about candidates, employers can raise expectations without fear of losing top talent.

Second, this approach helps companies filter their candidate pool more effectively. In an era of one-click job applications on LinkedIn and other platforms, being explicit about demanding work schedules can winnow down applications to only the most committed candidates. This saves companies time and resources in the hiring process.

Third, companies argue that this transparency prevents the expensive cycle of hiring and rehiring. When employees know exactly what they’re signing up for, they’re less likely to quit after six or nine months, reducing turnover costs and maintaining team stability.

The Sustainability Question

Critics question whether this extreme work culture is sustainable, even for companies that practice it. The Rila CEO acknowledges potential concerns about burnout, claiming his company manages this by ensuring employees sleep well, eat well, and stay healthy. However, the fundamental question remains: can any human being sustainably work 70 hours per week without long-term health consequences?

The CEO’s response suggests a somewhat naive understanding of human physiology and psychology. “We make sure that people are sleeping really well. We make sure that people are eating really well, and we make sure that people are staying really healthy,” he says. But research consistently shows that working 70 hours per week leads to decreased productivity, increased health problems, and higher rates of burnout regardless of diet and sleep quality.

Job Seeker Perspectives on Extreme Work Culture

Job seekers have mixed reactions to this trend. Some appreciate the transparency, arguing that it’s better to know the expectations upfront rather than discover them after accepting a position. “At least they’re being honest about what the expectations are,” one job seeker noted, suggesting this honesty could actually improve the interview process.

However, many job seekers expect appropriate compensation for extreme work demands. The sentiment is clear: if you’re going to work 70 hours per week, you should be paid for 70 hours per week of work. The ratio of work input to compensation must make sense for employees to consider such positions.

The Broader Implications for Workplace Culture

This trend represents a significant departure from the work-life balance movement that gained momentum in recent years. Companies are essentially saying that work-life balance is no longer a priority, and employees should expect to sacrifice personal time for professional success.

The implications extend beyond individual job postings. This cultural shift could normalize extreme work expectations across entire industries, making it increasingly difficult for workers to find positions that respect personal boundaries and family time.

The Future of Work: A Return to Exploitation?

This extreme work culture trend raises serious questions about the future of work in America. Are we witnessing a return to the exploitative work practices of previous decades, or is this simply a temporary market correction as companies adjust to changing economic conditions?

The answer likely depends on how job seekers respond to these demands. If enough qualified candidates refuse to accept 70-hour work weeks, companies may be forced to adjust their expectations. However, if the current economic climate continues to favor employers, this trend could become the new normal.

For job seekers, the key is to carefully evaluate whether extreme work demands align with their personal values, health, and long-term career goals. While transparency about expectations is valuable, accepting unsustainable work conditions can lead to burnout, health problems, and ultimately, career derailment.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Workplace Standards

The rise of companies advertising extreme work hours as benefits represents a critical moment for American workplace culture. This trend challenges fundamental assumptions about work-life balance and employee rights, potentially setting dangerous precedents for future employment standards.

While transparency about work expectations is generally positive, normalizing 70-hour work weeks as acceptable employment conditions could have devastating consequences for worker health, family life, and overall societal well-being. The question remains: will job seekers accept these extreme demands, or will they demand better working conditions that respect human limitations and personal time?

As this trend continues to evolve, both employers and employees must carefully consider the long-term implications of extreme work culture on individual health, family stability, and the broader economy.

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