Ken Holberger highlighted that at Data General, no one monitors the employees' working hours. He humorously noted that if they did, the company would likely have to compensate them much better. This remark reflects a broader understanding among consultants that many workers prefer to dedicate more hours to their jobs voluntarily, as long as they find the work engaging and worthwhile.

The essence of Holberger's observation is that job satisfaction can greatly influence how much time people are willing to spend at work. When employees are passionate about their tasks, they are more inclined to put in extra hours, viewing it as a choice rather than an obligation. This insight from "The Soul of a New Machine" illustrates the importance of meaningful work in determining employee productivity and dedication.