PwC CEO Tells Young Workers to Work Weekends: 'That Person Climbs Into the Next Role'

PwC US CEO Paul Griggs says employees who continue learning outside office hours can gain a career advantage, but his comments have sparked debate over whether professional ambition should extend into weekends.

Young professionals hoping to advance their careers may need to spend more time developing their skills outside the working week, according to PwC US CEO Paul Griggs.

Speaking in a recent interview with Business Insider, Griggs said employees who remain curious after the working day ends often separate themselves from colleagues who stop thinking about work once they log off. Explaining why that approach matters, he said: 'That person gets more work to do. And then the next thing you know, that person climbs into the next role and the next role.'

The comments, later highlighted by Fortune, have prompted discussion about whether career progression still depends on putting in extra effort or whether that mindset risks encouraging burnout at a time when many younger workers are prioritising healthier work-life boundaries.

Curiosity, Not Clocking Longer Hours, Is the Point

Griggs argued that career development is driven by initiative rather than simply spending more hours at work. He described two colleagues leaving work on a Friday evening. One spends a short period researching a challenge encountered during the week before enjoying the weekend, while the other disconnects completely until Monday.

According to Griggs, the employee who keeps learning returns with fresh knowledge that can lead to greater responsibility over time.

'What you put into it is what you get out of it,' he said, adding that saying 'yes' to opportunities, remaining curious, and investing time when 'people are not looking' can help workers distinguish themselves.

AI Is Raising the Value of Continuous Learning

Griggs' comments come as artificial intelligence is reshaping expectations across many professions. PwC has invested heavily in workforce upskilling, with Griggs helping lead the firm's My+ people strategy, which focuses on career development and generative AI training. As technology changes workplace demands, employees who continue building new skills may be better prepared for future roles.

His remarks therefore reflect a broader shift in how businesses view career development, where adaptability and continuous learning are increasingly valued alongside technical expertise.

Workers Remain Divided Over the Advice

Not everyone agrees that extra effort outside working hours leads to better career prospects. A discussion on Reddit's r/Accounting attracted hundreds of comments after Griggs' remarks circulated online. Some users agreed that taking initiative and learning independently can help employees stand out, particularly early in their careers.

Others argued promotions are not always linked to additional effort, saying workers who consistently sacrifice evenings and weekends often receive heavier workloads without corresponding pay rises or advancement.

Meanwhile, a separate discussion on r/PwC included employees describing demanding schedules, with some saying prolonged overtime had contributed to stress and burnout instead of faster career progression.

The contrasting responses reflect a broader workplace debate over whether success depends on working harder, developing smarter skills, or finding a healthier balance between both.

Why the Conversation Resonates

Griggs is not the only senior executive to encourage employees to embrace opportunities beyond their formal job descriptions.

Fortune noted that McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon have all encouraged professionals to remain adaptable, volunteer for new challenges, and take ownership of their career development.

For today's workforce, however, the takeaway may be less about routinely working weekends and more about investing in meaningful learning that builds valuable skills over time.

As AI continues reshaping careers, Griggs' remarks have reignited a wider conversation over what employers should reward most: longer hours, continuous curiosity, or the ability to keep adapting without sacrificing personal wellbeing.