Silicon Valley AI Startups Adopt China’s ‘996’ Work Culture
▼ Summary
– Some US startups are adopting China’s “996” work schedule (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week), requiring 72-hour workweeks as a job prerequisite.
– The 996 schedule faced backlash in China for worker exploitation and health risks, but US AI firms are embracing it to stay competitive.
– Despite earlier pandemic-era focus on work-life balance, the tech sector is shifting toward extreme work hours, mirroring Elon Musk’s “hardcore” approach.
– AI startup Rilla openly enforces 996, with 80 employees following the schedule, framing it as part of a Gen Z-driven entrepreneurial culture.
– While some founders view 996 as necessary for early-stage startups, others argue it shouldn’t be forced on non-leadership employees.
Silicon Valley’s AI startups are increasingly adopting China’s controversial “996” work schedule, 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, as they compete in the fast-moving tech landscape. This grueling 72-hour workweek, once criticized in China for fueling burnout and worker protests, is now being embraced by U.S. firms, particularly those racing to lead in artificial intelligence.
The trend marks a sharp reversal from pandemic-era discussions about work-life balance and employee well-being. Instead of prioritizing flexibility, some companies now frame extreme hours as a badge of honor, even screening job candidates for their willingness to commit to the punishing schedule. “It’s becoming the norm in certain circles,” says Adrian Kinnersley, an entrepreneur with deep ties to the tech hiring scene. “Startups are upfront, if you’re not ready for 996, don’t bother applying.”
One such company is Rilla, an AI firm specializing in contractor negotiation tools. Nearly all 80 employees adhere to the 996 model, with meals provided daily, including Saturdays, to keep teams fueled. Will Gao, Rilla’s head of growth, defends the approach, comparing it to the relentless dedication of icons like Steve Jobs and Kobe Bryant. “Gen Z grew up idolizing people who sacrificed everything for greatness,” he says. “Why should building a company be any different?”
Not everyone agrees. Critics argue that glorifying unsustainable hours risks repeating China’s mistakes, where the 996 culture sparked backlash over health concerns and allegations of exploitation. Amrita Bhasin, CEO of AI logistics firm Sotira, acknowledges the pressure on founders but draws a line at imposing the schedule broadly. “Leadership might need those hours early on, but forcing them on employees isn’t fair,” she says.
Yet with competition fiercer than ever, the allure of 996 persists. For some, it’s a calculated trade-off: grueling work now for potential rewards later. Others see it as a red flag, signaling a workplace that values output over well-being. As the debate continues, one thing is clear, Silicon Valley’s work culture is shifting, and not everyone is on board.
(Source: Wired)
