Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Silicon Valley Revives '996' Work Culture Amidst AI Boom
Imagine you're working in a place where everyone works from 9 in the morning until 9 at night, six days a week, like in China's tech world.
This is called '996'.
Now, some companies in Silicon Valley are trying it out to get ahead in the AI race.
People are working super long hours, hoping for big rewards.
But, some experts worry this can lead to problems, like workers getting tired and not being able to have a good life outside of work.
They also worry that some people might be left behind because of the extreme hours.
Silicon Valley is seeing a resurgence of the '996' work culture, inspired by China's tech sector.
This trend involves working 70-hour-plus workweeks, with expectations of long hours.
The '996' culture is driven by the AI boom, job insecurity, and a shift towards prioritizing toughness.
Critics warn that such extreme schedules can lead to burnout, inequality, and reduced productivity.
Whether 996 becomes permanent depends on the AI sector's success.
- Who
- Silicon Valley tech workers and companies
- What
- Revival of the '996' work culture, involving long hours
- When
- Recent weeks, with increased emphasis on long work hours
- Where
- Silicon Valley
- Why
- Driven by the AI gold rush, job insecurity, and a shift in culture towards 'hardcore' work
- Work Schedule
- 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week (996)
- Origin
- China's tech sector
- Prevalent in
- Silicon Valley's AI sector
- Driving Forces
- AI investment, job insecurity, and culture shift
- Criticism
- Risks entrenching inequality and health consequences