Several American companies, particularly in the tech industry, are beginning to see the "996" become widespread among employees. A hellish work pace of nearly 70 hours per week, with only one day off per week.

Once upon a time, there was a slogan in Silicon Valley: to succeed, tech bosses had to give their all, working tirelessly. Today, this little tune continues to spread, but this time among employees, several American media outlets note. To achieve this, a growing number of these ordinary Californians are starting to adopt the so-called "996" work rhythm. Translation: working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. In other words, sacrificing a weekend.

A frantic race towards success

This model goes even further, according to Daksh Gupta, president of the startup Greptile. Interviewed by the San Francisco Standard, he claims that a significant number of his young recruits impose the following rules on themselves: “no alcohol, no drugs, 996, gym, run far, marry early, watch your sleep, eat steak and eggs.” Or, as the Wall Street Journal sums it up: “no alcohol, no sleep, no fun.”

A life at 100 miles an hour with extreme rigor, both professionally and personally, which reflects a certain conception of success. What about mental health? It's not on the agenda. But "why would I go have a drink at a bar if I can start a business?" replies the founder of a company specializing in AI to the Wall Street Journal.

Contrary to law

Born in China, the "996" system sparked protests in the Middle Kingdom, as the rhythm was seen as akin to modern-day slavery. In 2021, the Chinese Supreme Court ruled that without adequate additional compensation, the model was illegal, notes TF1 Info.

In the United States, the “996” would also not comply with labor law, but the context is different. “Many people see the rise of AI as the biggest technological transformation of their lifetimes and want to compete for valuable market share. Some believe in getting rich quick, before AGI (artificial general intelligence) arrives and plunges them into a permanent underclass,” explains the San Francisco Standard, relayed by Courrier International.

But as the New York Times notes, not all of Silicon Valley has yet embraced the “996” approach. Across the Atlantic, the situation isn't taking off either. As one American investor working in the UK told Wired: “People in Europe seem shocked when they're asked to work weekends.”