What is the 996 work schedule?

The 996 work schedule refers to working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

Why are tech workers in Silicon Valley adopting the 996 schedule?

Workers are adopting the 996 schedule in hopes of securing valuable early equity in rapidly growing AI startups.

Experts warn that the 996 schedule can lead to severe degradation of cognitive and emotional health, causing burnout and other negative impacts.

Home / Business and Economy / AI Boom Fuels 996 Burnout in Silicon Valley

1 Feb

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Summary

The surge in AI development has led to a 996 work schedule—9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—becoming common in Silicon Valley.

Employees are adopting this demanding routine, seeking valuable early equity in fast-growing startups.

This practice mirrors trends from China, where it originated over a decade ago and was later ruled illegal.

Experts warn that chronic overwork, a hallmark of the 996 schedule, can degrade cognitive function and emotional regulation, leading to burnout.