Some Silicon Valley startups are embracing China’s “996” schedule, which involves working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. Advocates say it accelerates innovation. Critics warn that it creates burnout, lawsuits, and challenges to talent retention.

What Is the 996 Work Culture?

The “996” model—working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week—originated in China’s fast-growing tech sector. It was once celebrated as a symbol of grit, discipline, and relentless innovation. Companies like Alibaba and Huawei were often associated with the schedule during their rapid growth phases.

But over time, the downsides became clear. Prolonged overwork led to health crises, declining productivity, and employee pushback. By the late 2010s and early 2020s, the 996 work schedule had sparked widespread protests, lawsuits, and government crackdowns in China.

Why Silicon Valley Is Adopting 996

Despite its controversial history, some U.S. startups, particularly in Silicon Valley, are experimenting with the 996 work schedule. The reasoning is straightforward:

Speed to Market: Founders believe long hours create urgency and allow lean teams to ship products faster.
AI Competition: With artificial intelligence advancing rapidly, they see 996 as a way to keep pace with China’s innovation cycle.
Cultural Edge: Advocates argue that extreme dedication sets startups apart from slower-moving incumbents.

The Risks and Backlash

Workplace experts and employees warn that 996’s hidden costs often outweigh its benefits:

Burnout & Mental Health: Chronic overwork is linked to stress, depression, and long-term health issues.
Declining Creativity: Exhausted workers make more mistakes and generate fewer innovative ideas.
High Turnover: Talented employees often leave companies that demand unsustainable schedules.
Legal Gray Areas: In the U.S., labor laws regarding overtime and worker rights can create opportunities for lawsuits.

Generational Divide in the Workforce

Millennials and Gen Z, who now dominate the tech labor market, are especially resistant to toxic hustle culture. Surveys consistently show they prioritize:

Flexibility and remote options
Mental health and well-being
Purpose-driven work
Work-life balance

Startups that openly advocate for a 996 work schedule may struggle to attract and retain the very talent they need most.

The Future of Work: Will 996 Survive in the U.S.?

The spread of 996 in Silicon Valley raises a larger debate: is extreme hustle the only way to fuel innovation, or is it a short-sighted gamble that harms both individuals and companies?

Some founders argue the experiment is necessary in an AI-driven arms race. Others believe that sustainable strategies such as shorter work sprints, asynchronous collaboration, and genuine recovery periods will outperform the constant grind in the long run.

Bottom Line:

996 may deliver short-term productivity, but in the long term, it risks eroding creativity, culture, and employee well-being. For startups competing in a global innovation race, the real challenge may be finding the balance between speed and sustainability.

China’s Infamous 996 Work Culture Arrives in Silicon Valley