It might.
More than the hours, it’s probably how they are compensated that creates the perverse incentives leading to idiocy.
A lot of those people are working long hours for future rewards, not present compensation. They hope to make partner, hope to cash out on the IPO, hope to get a huge bonus. And for some they are competing against their colleagues for the plum promotion. If they work 50 hours you have to work 52 to stay ahead. Then they competitor works 54. And so it spirals.
Their present compensation is usually pretty good too.
I think it’s more complicated than that. It’s more like you can’t complete the work that needs to be done only working 40 hours a week. And even if you just do what is considered “your job”, often it’s not enough. I mean what would you think of someone who only wants to do the bare minimum? Bryan worked 57 hours last week…and has a terrific smile!
I see what you did there.
Get a room, you two!