The Viral Debate Over Tech Productivity
A viral social media thread by Deedy Das, principal at Menlo Ventures, has sparked a heated discussion about engineering productivity at major tech firms. Claims suggest that some developers earn between $200,000 and $300,000 annually, while contributing as little as two code changes a month. Dubbed the “quiet quitting playbook,” tactics include appearing busy with meetings, scheduling delayed messages, and using AI for minor code enhancements. This has drawn comparisons to Elon Musk’s drastic workforce reductions at Twitter, which maintained operational stability despite cutting 80% of its staff. Broader trends such as the “White Collar Recession,” offshoring, and AI-driven efficiency are reshaping how companies measure and value productivity. Some see this as a fundamental shift in knowledge work, while others argue that these behaviors reflect misunderstood normal processes.
My Take
This discussion underscores the critical need for the tech industry to redefine productivity. It must move beyond superficial metrics to focus on impact-driven outcomes. Leaders who align engineering efforts with strategic goals rather than activity-based measures will thrive.
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Credit: Forbes