The ‘996’ Work Culture: Is This Controversial Trend The Future of Tech?
Silicon Valley’s work culture is shifting, as startups and AI teams embrace a grueling schedule known as ‘996’. This controversial model, involving a 72-hour work week, is driven by the intense race for innovation but comes at a steep cost.
The Rise of a New Work Ethic
Once famed for its laid-back campus culture and a focus on work-life balance, Silicon Valley appears to be witnessing a dramatic shift. A grueling work model known as “996,” which originated in China, is gaining traction among a new generation of tech startups, particularly those in the fiercely competitive artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
The “996” model requires employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, for a total of 72 hours. This controversial work ethic was popularized in China’s tech industry, with Alibaba founder Jack Ma once calling it a “huge blessing.” However, a wave of public backlash, overwork-related deaths, and legal challenges led China’s Supreme People’s Court to declare the practice illegal in 2021.
Driven by the AI Race
Despite its turbulent history, the model is now being adopted by some in Silicon Valley. The primary catalyst is the global AI race, where startups believe that a “winner-takes-all” mentality necessitates a relentless pace to achieve rapid breakthroughs and outpace competitors, especially those in China.
Several sources confirm this trend is more than just a passing fad among a few companies. An AI startup named Rilla, for example, is reported to have openly adopted the 996 schedule, with its head of growth telling Wired that it resonates with Gen Z employees inspired by the legendary hustle of tech titans like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Similarly, Daksh Gupta, the CEO of AI startup Greptile, has become a “poster child” for this “grindcore culture,” advocating for 12-hour workdays. Some recruitment experts have even noted that a willingness to work 996 is becoming a prerequisite for interviews at certain startups.
The Cost of Hustle: Burnout and Criticism
However, a body of research, including studies published in the Kansas Journal of Medicine, consistently links prolonged overtime to higher stress, lower productivity, and burnout. Critics argue that the “996” model is less about genuine productivity gains and more about power dynamics, as it ensures employees are constantly visible to leadership.
While the “996” culture is not yet a mainstream practice across the entire Silicon Valley ecosystem, its emergence reflects a growing subculture where the old promise of a relaxed tech career is being traded for an intense, high-stakes sprint toward market dominance. The trend poses a fundamental question for the industry: is it possible to innovate at breakneck speed without sacrificing employee well-being?
