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It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work Hardcover – Illustrated, October 2, 2018

by Jason Fried (Author), David Heinemeier Hansson (Author)

3,620 ratings

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In this timely manifesto, the authors of the New York Times bestseller Rework broadly reject the prevailing notion that long hours, aggressive hustle, and "whatever it takes" are required to run a successful business today.

In Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson introduced a new path to working effectively. Now, they build on their message with a bold, iconoclastic strategy for creating the ideal company culture—what they call "the calm company." Their approach directly attack the chaos, anxiety, and stress that plagues millions of workplaces and hampers billions of workers every day.

Long hours, an excessive workload, and a lack of sleep have become a badge of honor for modern professionals. But it should be a mark of stupidity, the authors argue. Sadly, this isn’t just a problem for large organizations—individuals, contractors, and solopreneurs are burning themselves out the same way. The answer to better productivity isn’t more hours—it’s less waste and fewer things that induce distraction and persistent stress.

It’s time to stop celebrating Crazy, and start celebrating Calm, Fried and Hansson assert.

Fried and Hansson have the proof to back up their argument. "Calm" has been the cornerstone of their company’s culture since Basecamp began twenty years ago. Destined to become the management guide for the next generation, It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work is a practical and inspiring distillation of their insights and experiences. It isn’t a book telling you what to do. It’s a book showing you what they’ve done—and how any manager or executive no matter the industry or size of the company, can do it too.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Their book is funny, well-written and iconoclastic and by far the best thing on management published this year.” — The Economist

“Each [chapter is] packed with a punch that seems both profound and practical—profound for how clear and different they tend to be from most accepted business wisdom, and practical because almost everything they describe is immediately applicable.” — 800-CEO-READ

“In short, jargon-free chapters, the authors challenge the way many of today’s businesses are run.” — Financial Times

“An urgent conversation to have.” — Wall Street Journal

About the Author

JASON FRIED is the cofounder and CEO of Basecamp. He started the company back in 1999 and has been running the show ever since. Along with David, he wrote Getting Real, REWORK, and REMOTE. When it comes to business, he thinks things are simple until you make them complicated. And when it comes to life, we’re all just trying to figure it out as we go.

DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON is the cofounder of Basecamp and the New York Times bestselling coauthor of REWORK and REMOTE. He’s also the creator of the software toolkit Ruby on Rails, which has been used to launch and power Twitter, Shopify, GitHub, Airbnb, Square, and over a million other web applications. Originally from Denmark, he moved to Chicago in 2005 and now divides his time between the US and Spain with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys 200-mph race cars in international competition, taking cliché pictures of sunsets and kids, and ranting far too much on Twitter.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Business
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2018
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062874780
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062874788
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.85 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #71,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #133 in Workplace Culture (Books)
- #284 in Business Management (Books)
- #454 in Motivational Management & Leadership
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3,620 ratings

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Jason Fried
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Jason Fried is the co-founder and President of 37signals, a privately-held Chicago-based company committed to building the best web-based tools possible with the least number of features necessary.
37signals' products include Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack, Campfire, Ta-da List, and Writeboard. 37signals also developed and open-sourced the Ruby on Rails programming framework. 37signals' products do less than the competition -- intentionally.
37signals weblog, Signal vs. Noise, is read by over 100,000 people every day.
Jason believes there's real value and beauty in the basics. Elegance, respect for people's desire to simply get stuff done, and honest ease of use are the hallmarks of 37signals products.
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David Heinemeier Hansson
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David Heinemeier Hansson is the cofounder of Basecamp and NYT bestselling coauthor of REWORK and REMOTE. He's also the creator of the software toolkit Ruby on Rails, which has been used to launch and power Twitter, Shopify, GitHub, Airbnb, Square, and over a million other web applications. Originally from Denmark, he moved to Chicago in 2005, and now lives between the US and Spain with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys 200-mph race cars in international competition, taking cliche pictures of sunsets and kids, and ranting far too much on Twitter.
See more on the author's page
Jason Zimdars
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Jason Zimdars is an artist and designer who has always loved to draw. He grew up immersed in stories of heroes and magic like "The Lord of the Rings", "Star Wars", "The Dark Crystal", and "E.T". He always came home from the movies or the library to draw all the amazing characters and places he saw in his imagination.
When his friend, Brandon, told him about Prince Martin he knew he had to draw him and all his friends, too. He can’t wait to share more of Prince Martin’s adventures with you!
Mr. Zimdars lives in Oklahoma with his family and dog, who isn't nearly as brave as Sir Ray.
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Customer reviews

3,620 global ratings

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Customers find this book engaging and easy to read, providing great insight with actionable advice that opens their minds to new perspectives. Moreover, the book offers practical tips for creating a productive and focused work environment, with one customer noting how it provides uninterrupted periods for good work. Additionally, customers appreciate its simple, no-nonsense style and calm approach to work-life balance.

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Readability Insight Productivity Simplicity Work environment Pacing Practical nature Writing style

55 customers mention "Readability"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy and enjoyable to read, with one mentioning it can be completed in a single sitting.

"...The book is a page-turner and a quick read, with around 200 pages of simple yet effective insights...." Read more

"Easy read, which is right in line with the principles of the book. The short chapters give time to process the thought...." Read more

"Easy to read, very driven to earth and full of practices you can try tomorrow. I fully but in the concept of Calm Company, and in fact, in Calm Life." Read more

"Great read" Read more

53 customers mention "Insight"52 positive1 negative

Customers find the book insightful, with many appreciating its useful advice and ability to open their minds to new perspectives. One customer specifically mentions it provides many good lessons about management and human resources.

"...It’s simple, concise, to the point. Like their blog Signal vs Noise... they’ve focused on the Signal...." Read more

"...creating a calm, focused work environment that values balance and mental health. It’s an easy, engaging read with lots of actionable advice...." Read more

"...They do an exceptional job of taking ideas and distilling them down to their basic essence, and then describing them in a way that is easy to read,..." Read more

"...It challenges the chaotic hustle culture and offers practical advice for building a sustainable, stress-free workplace...." Read more

19 customers mention "Productivity"17 positive2 negative

Customers find the book highly productive, with one mentioning it provides uninterrupted periods for focused work, while another notes the short chapters allow time for processing thoughts.

"...Basically use common sense, do good work, then go home. Sounds great to me." Read more

"This book completely changed how I think about work and productivity...." Read more

"...This book shows it can be YES AND, not EITHER/OR. Yes you can be effective at work, become rich, leave a dent in this universe AND have a life..." Read more

"...It’s about doing what you say you’re going to do, putting in a fair day’s work, respecting the work, respecting the customer, respecting coworkers,..." Read more

16 customers mention "Simplicity"15 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's straightforward approach, describing it as a no-nonsense, step-by-step textbook.

"Step-by-step textbook how to run calm, employee-friendly and successful company in crazy times, when others practice hustling, overnights at work or..." Read more

"...I like them all, but this one by far is the best one. It’s simple, concise, to the point...." Read more

"Direct, to the point, simple calm. Easy read. Powerful content. Makes you wonder how to apply in corporate america! Unique" Read more

"Simple and Calm..." Read more

16 customers mention "Work environment"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to creating a productive and balanced work environment.

"...The authors share practical tips for creating a calm, focused work environment that values balance and mental health...." Read more

"...Work" is a refreshing take on creating a calm, focused, and productive work environment...." Read more

"...to be a trade off between accomplishing something great and having a life outside work...." Read more

"...customer, respecting coworkers, not wasting time, not creating unnecessary work for other people, and not being a bottleneck."..." Read more

15 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, describing it as simple and calm, with one customer noting it brings fresh air to the business book world.

"Simple and Calm..." Read more

"Step-by-step textbook how to run calm, employee-friendly and successful company in crazy times, when others practice hustling, overnights at work or..." Read more

"...The authors share practical tips for creating a calm, focused work environment that values balance and mental health...." Read more

""It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work" is a refreshing take on creating a calm, focused, and productive work environment...." Read more

15 customers mention "Practical nature"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the practical nature of the book, which provides useful tips and can be used as future reference material, with one customer noting its relevance for both employees and employers.

"...It gives you the point, a relevant example, caveats, and then lets you think for yourself on the merits of it. Perfect...." Read more

"I lead an internship program, and I appreciated the very practical nature of this book in helping me think about preparing people for their future..." Read more

"...Absolutely charming and practical" Read more

"...from practical experience, this book is a no nonsense and highly valuable guide to running a modern company and workforce." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted, with one customer noting that the paragraphs are double spaced and another mentioning that it reads like the author is speaking directly to the reader.

"...The book itself is a joy to read as it's laid out in very small, concise, easily-digestible chapters...." Read more

"The writing style has much improved, the authors have opened their hearts yet again on what goes on to manage Basecamp...." Read more

"...The concepts, writing style, and general tone is without all business talk most books of its kind bring...." Read more

"...But a little overboard on the pithy quotes and soundbitey sentences. Getting close to motivational poster land...." Read more

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Mohamed Khenefar
Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2025
Verified Purchase

This book completely changed how I think about work and productivity. It challenges the idea that a busy, hectic workplace is necessary to get things done. The authors share practical tips for creating a calm, focused work environment that values balance and mental health. It’s an easy, engaging read with lots of actionable advice. Highly recommend for anyone feeling overwhelmed by work!

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Mohamed Khenefar

Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2025
This book completely changed how I think about work and productivity. It challenges the idea that a busy, hectic workplace is necessary to get things done. The authors share practical tips for creating a calm, focused work environment that values balance and mental health. It’s an easy, engaging read with lots of actionable advice. Highly recommend for anyone feeling overwhelmed by work!

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Kent R. Spillner
Another great business and management philosophy book from Jason Fried and dhh
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2019
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed reading all of Jason & David's books, and "It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work" is no exception. They do an exceptional job of taking ideas and distilling them down to their basic essence, and then describing them in a way that is easy to read, easy to understand, and exciting to think about. You can read this book in a single sitting, then come away feeling energized to put it all into practice at your own work.

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Asim Ghaffar
Beyond the Hustle: Building a Company That Thrives in Calm
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
"It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work" is a refreshing take on creating a calm, focused, and productive work environment. It challenges the chaotic hustle culture and offers practical advice for building a sustainable, stress-free workplace. The book is a page-turner and a quick read, with around 200 pages of simple yet effective insights. Its chapters are designed for bite-sized reading, making it easy to absorb the ideas at your own pace. A must-read for those seeking balance and effectiveness in their professional life. 9/10.

Some standout quotes include:

“Yes, the things you make are products (or services), but your company is the thing that makes those things. That’s why your company should be your best product.”

“The best companies aren’t families. They’re supporters of families. Allies of families. They’re there to provide healthy, fulfilling work environments so that when workers shut their laptops at a reasonable hour, they’re the best husbands, wives, parents, siblings, and children they can be.”

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K. Evans
What working world do you want to live in? I think this book is the Answer
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
In one sense, this book is a giant book of “DUH”

• Employees should not be expected to work after work. 40 hours is plenty.
• Team communication does not need an immediate response.
• Less meetings
• Equal pay for equal seniority.
• Focus on process/gradual improvement vs. arbitrary goals
• CEO’s should think through how a sudden idea or words can alter the course of company culture and how projects get done
...the list goes on

But sadly, these “duhness” principles seem to be the exception in the working world. As an employee of a company who adopts a small share of their principles, I hope this book will serve as a symbol for change.

My knee jerk reaction to this book was its mainly for CEOs, founders, and managers, those in positions of power, to implement the ideas in this book. While I think they do hold the greater share of responsibility to make the change, I believe it is a interdependent change on employer and employee.

For employees, it's a call to analyze your own workplace habits and get better at drawing boundaries. Akin to how holding hidden expectations in a relationship will corrode the relationship if not communicated, acting as if your situation is futile without trying is the easy way out. Look I am scared here. Speaking up I risk being shut down or worse getting fired. However, I feel like it is the right thing to do. The challenge is communicating the ideas in this book so they will be listened to. Rome was not built in a day.

And for those in positions of power, this book shows it does not have to be a trade off between accomplishing something great and having a life outside work. I get that this is an uphill battle as popular culture celebrates the grinders, hustlers...the blood sweat and tears that people wear as a badge of honor. As the book title suggest, there’s a calmer way. This book shows it can be YES AND, not EITHER/OR. Yes you can be effective at work, become rich, leave a dent in this universe AND have a life outside it. Your legacy can be you left a trail of happy, healthy humans who genuinely thought of you as a good boss or manager. You’re happier. They’re happier. You can see your family, friends, and so can they. That seems pretty good to me, even if you don’t accomplish your mission of saving the whales :)

As a fan of Basecamp for sometime, many of these ideas you’ll find on their blog, however, the book feels different. From the choice on ordering how the ideas are presented, the illustrations, and just physical love for books...it’s different than the blog.

If you’re hesitant because the blog is free, do yourself a favor and get the living, breathing thing. Having this book is a great reminder; a great reminder of the world I’d like to live in. A great reminder that there is a saner way to work.

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Brian Castelli
A good read if expectations are set correctly
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
If you read this book with the idea that you will come away with several good ideas that you can apply to your workplace, your money and time will have been well spent. As an example, one take-away I got from the book was to do what I can to ensure that my team members have large chunks of uninterrupted time to do their work. I had been sending them Slack messages and inviting them to meetings in the middle of the morning or afternoon, effectively breaking their concentration. But please don't look at this book as some kind of handbook or Bible of how to run a company. The authors are too binary. Things are either great or they suck big time. There is no in-between, no gray. As an example, they positively hate meetings. Now, I'm no fan of most meetings. But there are some things that just can't be accomplished without bringing people together in one place. Basecamp's daily asynch standups don't replace a good, well-run meeting under proper circumstances. The book is worth a read as long as expectations are set correctly.

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Louis Naugès
Lecture indispensable par tout dirigeant !
Reviewed in France on October 20, 2018
Verified Purchase

Un petit chef d'œuvre de simplicité, de conseils pratiques et positifs.

Comment construire une entreprise "calme" en suivant quelques règles simples.

225 pages, 66 thèmes = 3 pages par thème.

La lecture est facile, rapide, chacun des thèmes abordés, des conseils prodigués est en apparence évident, mais c'est en fait une remise en cause totale des principes de management de l'immense majorité des entreprises, et en particulier des plus grandes.

Un grand merci à ces deux dirigeants qui montrent que l'on peut réussir, très bien, sans créer de stress inutile pour ses collaborateurs.

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Martin Gaedt
No goals. No war. No hustle. Resist. You always have a choice
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love this book. “Many best practices are purely folklore. Resist. You always have a choice. A business is a collection of choices.”
In this book you`ll find hundreds of choices that the authors took. “Wisdom” in business management is questioned and turned around. Everything that has been praised and preached, they do it differently.
“Best companies are NOT families.” And please “do NOT go to war over people. There are a lot of great people everywhere.” “We’ve found that nurturing untapped potential is far more exhilarating than finding someone who`s already at their peak.”
Why is “whatever it takes” so popular? “You are NOT actually capturing a hill on the beach of Normandy, are you? Reasonable expectations are out the window with whatever it takes.”
Basecamp calls itself a calm company. “A calm company is a choice. Calm is about reasonable expectations. Calm is smaller. Calm is sustainable practices for the long term.” “When calm starts early, calm becomes the habit.” A calm company should be the default way instead of “hustlemania”. The authors: “You have our permission to bury the hustle.” “We don't need to shoot up on risk to get excited about work.”
“The only way to get more done is to have less to do. Eliminate 7 of the 12 things.” The business world is suffering from ambition hyperinflation, which is claiming: “BRAND NEW. CHANGES EVERYTHING. Thousand revolutions promised at once. If you label your own work as disruption, it probably isn`t.”
At Basecamp they don`t live by FOMO but show “JOMO: Joy of missing out. Stop treating every little thing that happens at work like it`s breaking news.”
The book is about good salaries, good sleep, good weekends, good vacations, good teams, good software releases on Mondays instead of Fridays.

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carlo occhiena
Great insight from a great company
Reviewed in Italy on September 27, 2020
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I am a BaseCamp user and a great fan of DHH, however I read the book without expectations or reverence.
It's a great product, very easy to read but very effective. Being the "hustler gonna hustler" kind of guy, I find it quite fascinating. Very recommended especially if you're the 24/7 kind of worker.

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Antonio H
MBA
Reviewed in Spain on October 10, 2018
Verified Purchase
Para mí, los libros de esta gente (Rework, Remote y este) son mi MBA. Aportan un punto de vista sobre el mundo empresarial más cercano, más amable, menos frenético, pero no por ello menos exigente (su empresa Basecamp crece cada año sin parar de dar beneficios)

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Aziz
I received the book in good condition
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on April 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
And I recommend this book, one of the best book I ever read

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Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy

Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy

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4.0 out of 5 stars Another great business and management philosophy book from Jason Fried and dhh

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the Hustle: Building a Company That Thrives in Calm

5.0 out of 5 stars What working world do you want to live in? I think this book is the Answer

3.0 out of 5 stars A good read if expectations are set correctly

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Lecture indispensable par tout dirigeant !

5.0 out of 5 stars No goals. No war. No hustle. Resist. You always have a choice

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight from a great company

5.0 out of 5 stars MBA

5.0 out of 5 stars I received the book in good condition

Refreshingly Different Work Philosophy

Another great business and management philosophy book from Jason Fried and dhh

Beyond the Hustle: Building a Company That Thrives in Calm

What working world do you want to live in? I think this book is the Answer

A good read if expectations are set correctly

Lecture indispensable par tout dirigeant !

No goals. No war. No hustle. Resist. You always have a choice

Great insight from a great company

MBA

I received the book in good condition