Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Silicon Valley Adopts '996' Work Ethic Amid AI Race
Imagine a race where everyone wants to build the fastest car.
In Silicon Valley, especially for people building smart computer programs called AI, it feels like that kind of race.
Some companies are asking their workers to work much longer hours, almost like they did in a place called China a few years ago, from 9 in the morning to 9 at night, six days a week.
This is called the '996' work ethic.
People working this hard are becoming rich, but they don't have much time to enjoy their money because they are so busy.
Some places are even asking people to work every day!
While some say it's just a way of showing they are very serious about their work, others argue that working too much actually makes people less creative and less productive.
They say it's like asking a painter to paint too many pictures too quickly – the quality might suffer.
Silicon Valley is experiencing a trend of adopting a '996' work ethic, meaning 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week.
This intense work culture is fueled by the competitive race in artificial intelligence development.
Some companies are pushing work hours even further, with one startup requiring seven days a week of in-person work.
While some argue '996' is a mindset rather than a rigid schedule, critics point to research showing reduced productivity and creativity from excessive hours.
The '996' culture is seen by some as a way to signal commitment to investors and rivals in a high-stakes industry.
- Who
- AI researchers and startups in Silicon Valley
- What
- Adoption of a '996' work ethic, characterized by long hours and intense dedication
- When
- Currently, with the term and trend becoming prominent in the AI race
- Where
- Silicon Valley, particularly in the artificial intelligence sector
- Why
- To keep pace with rapid technological advancements and disruption in the AI field, and to signal commitment to investors and rivals.
Proponents of '996'
Critics of '996'
Work Ethic vs. Productivity
Proponents of '996'
Some founders insist that '996' is more of a mindset that work is your life, rather than a rigid routine, and that no one is working 12 hours straight every single day.
Critics of '996'
Extending hours past 40 to 45 per week decreases productivity, kills curiosity and creativity, and historical management research has shown this repeatedly.
Signaling to Stakeholders
Proponents of '996'
Championing the '996' grind is a great way to signal seriousness and importance to investors, rivals, and employees.
Critics of '996'
Venture capitalists should reconsider what they are rewarding by funding leaders who promote the '996' grind.
- Origin of '996'
- Chinese corporate work expectation (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week), outlawed in 2021
- Current Silicon Valley Application
- Indicates a demanding work ethic, often advertised with high salaries and equity
- Extreme Examples
- Sonatic requires in-person work seven days a week
- Work Indicators
- Spikes in delivery orders on Saturdays, co-working spaces littered with energy drink cans and constant DoorDash activity
- Criticism of Overwork
- Leads to decreased productivity and kills innovation