I understood it differently: He's saying work is a large part of life and therefore should not be treated as if it's something apart/different. That does not mean that one 'should spend all your life at work'. It means one should try and have fun and not take things so seriously all the time.
And I would completely agree with that. In STEM I'd say the majority does not understand the concept.
I think you're right. Treating your work life as a separate component of your life is not something that's natural for humans and our social traits. Treating work life as part of your life does not imply anything about how long you work.
And I would completely agree with that. In STEM I'd say the majority does not understand the concept.