American AI Start-ups Adopt Strict 996 Work Schedule
san francisco, maandag, 29 september 2025.
American AI start-ups are increasingly adopting the 996 work schedule, where employees work twelve hours a day, six days a week. This extreme schedule is introduced to bridge high competition and tight budgets, despite legal protections against excessive working hours. Tech magnates such as Elon Musk and Sergey Brin have openly praised these intensive working hours, but former Tesla employees report a culture where personal well-being is sacrificed for the company’s benefit. Studies indicate an increased risk of health problems due to excessively long workdays.
American AI Start-ups Adopt Strict 996 Work Schedule
American AI start-ups are increasingly adopting the 996 work schedule, where employees work twelve hours a day, six days a week. This extreme schedule is introduced to bridge high competition and tight budgets, despite legal protections against excessive working hours. Tech magnates such as Elon Musk and Sergey Brin have openly praised these intensive working hours, but former Tesla employees report a culture where personal well-being is sacrificed for the company’s benefit. Studies indicate an increased risk of health problems due to excessively long workdays [1].
Underlying Factors
The 996 work schedule is often implemented in response to fierce competition in the tech sector. Start-ups must innovate faster and more efficiently to survive, which often leads to extremely long working days. Although there are legal protections against excessive working hours, employees are often compelled to exceed standard limits without adequate compensation [1].
Impact on Employees
Former Tesla employees have described a culture where sacrificing personal well-being for the company’s benefit is considered normal. Reports of workers sleeping on the factory floor after gruelling shifts, or even fainting from exhaustion, highlight the dangers of pushing human limits beyond their capacities [1].
Ethical Considerations
The implementation of the 996 work schedule also raises serious ethical questions. While some start-up leaders claim that extreme efforts are essential to stay ahead in a highly competitive industry, this can lead to burnout, stress, and other health issues among employees. There is a clear link between excessively long workdays and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression [1].
Alternative Solutions
While some start-ups opt for the 996 work schedule, others seek alternative ways to remain competitive. This can range from implementing flexible working hours to offering better working conditions and mental health support. It is crucial to find a balance between the need for innovation and the well-being of employees [1].