The tech industry is starting to embrace a work schedule called “996” — 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week.
Why It Clocks: The 72-hour workweek has long been a controversial staple of China (although activists are trying to change that), and it seems the American tech industry views that intense work culture as a key reason behind the country’s massive gains, especially in AI. Now, Silicon Valley is looking to compete on that front, too.
Behind the Schedule: Some startups are throwing out any notion of work-life balance.
Increasingly, companies — especially those in the AI industry — are readily adopting the 72-hour work schedule and the “996” nickname.
Some startups are even making it a prerequisite to screen prospective employees.
One AI startup, Rilla, reports that almost all of its 80 employees are on that schedule. The company provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner to its employees in the office.
Meanwhile, telehealth company Fella & Delilah offered a 25% pay bump and a 100% increase in equity to employees who elected to go on a 996 schedule. Only 10% signed up.
The Future: The last couple of years have been rough on workers, as a contracting economy, mass layoffs, and expectations of an “extremely hardcore” work culture take hold in tech, finance, and many other competitive industries. As the post-COVID push against burnout fades and workplace pressures ramp back up, the standard 40-hour workweek may soon be considered a perk at some companies.
Prediction: To really stay ahead, it’s possible that some companies will just adopt a rotating shift of employees, allowing them to operate 24/7.
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