The Tech Firms Embracing a 72-Hour Working Week
Thursday, 2026/02/12217 words3 minutes613 reads
An increasing number of technology companies are openly advocating for "996" culture - a grueling work schedule requiring employees to work from 9am to 9pm, six days a week, totaling approximately 70 hours weekly.
Rilla, a New York-based AI startup, explicitly warns prospective employees not to apply unless they're enthusiastic about working such extensive hours alongside "some of the most ambitious people in NYC." Will Gao, the company's head of growth, defends this approach, claiming they seek individuals with characteristics resembling "Olympian athletes" - obsession, infinite ambition, and passion for their work.
This phenomenon originated in China's tech sector a decade ago, where it received endorsement from prominent figures like Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who characterized 996 as a "huge blessing." However, mounting criticism over labor law violations prompted Chinese authorities to implement a legal crackdown in 2021, significantly dampening public advocacy for the practice.
The culture has now migrated to American tech startups, particularly those developing AI applications. The breakneck pace of AI development and intense competition for market dominance have created an environment where companies believe extreme working hours provide a competitive advantage. Critics, however, argue this approach is unsustainable and cite WHO research linking extended work weeks to increased risks of stroke and heart disease, while questioning whether productivity actually improves beyond 40-hour weeks.
