Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
0 comments 
Adoption Of Exhaustive Work Hours In Artificial Intelligence Startups Grows In The U.S., A Model Already Considered Illegal In China That Rekindles The Debate Over Limits In The Technology Corporate Environment.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in the United States has driven profound transformations in the workplace, especially in startups in the sector.
What stands out is the growing adoption of the so-called 996 Schedule – a work regime that, despite being banned in China since 2021, is beginning to spread discreetly in American companies focused on AI.
This model, originally widely used by Chinese tech giants, has returned to the international debate precisely because it represents work hours that are considered excessive and controversial.
-
At 77, the king of one of the most famous and powerful crowns on the planet is said to be under pressure to leave the throne, while behind the scenes there are already talks of a new coronation that could cost R$ 260 million.
-
Chinese researchers have created bamboo drones that fly with the same precision as conventional models and have released the flight control software for free to the entire world in a technology that could revolutionize sustainable aviation.
-
Russia reveals that it is already conducting 95% of all its business with China without using a single dollar; dedollarization has ceased to be a promise and has become a reality in record time, and the West watches helplessly.
-
While Brazilians work more than 44 hours a week, Norwegians leave the office at 3 PM and are now testing a four-day workweek with full pay and no loss of productivity.
What Is The 996 Schedule In The Technology Market
In the format known as 996 Schedule, employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours of weekly dedication to the company.
The practice, which gained notoriety in China in corporations like Alibaba and Tencent, has even been publicly defended by industry leaders on the grounds that extensive hours are necessary for economic growth and innovation.
Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, once stated that working under the 996 Schedule was “a blessing,” a position that sparked controversies and criticism both inside and outside the country.
Disguised Adoption Of The 996 Schedule In The United States
According to a report published by Wired magazine, startups primarily located in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay area have adopted variations of the 996 Schedule, often without formally disclosing the name of the regime to avoid negative repercussions or potential oversight.
In job descriptions, there is an explicit increase in the expected weekly hours, especially for positions considered strategic for product development and company growth.
“This model is not mentioned directly, but the expectation of extreme dedication is clear,” revealed an employee interviewed by the publication, who requested anonymity.
Consequences And Regulation: The Chinese Experience
In China, the escalation of complaints about exhaustion, illness, and even deaths attributed to excessive work under the 996 Schedule led the government to formally ban the practice in August 2021.
In addition to prohibiting hours that exceed the legal limit, Chinese authorities have intensified oversight and penalties for companies that violate labor standards.
According to the Supreme People’s Court of China, “excessive work violates the rights and dignity of workers,” and the perpetuation of this model has been deemed illegal.
Labor Legislation In The U.S. And Flexibility In AI Startups
In the United States, however, there is no federal legislation that clearly limits weekly work hours in private companies, except for categories protected by specific norms.
The pattern of the so-called 996 Schedule begins to be adopted mainly by technology and artificial intelligence companies, which face high competitiveness and pressure to innovate quickly.
According to labor relations experts, the absence of regulation facilitates the imposition of extended work hours, even when there is an expectation of overtime pay.
“In practice, this additional pay is not always adequately compensated,” points out Wired.
Hustle Culture And Mental Health In The Artificial Intelligence Sector
The culture of excessive work, also known as “hustle culture,” intensifies in the AI environment, where the speed of development and the search for competitive advantages are constant.
For professionals considered “vital” within startups, the demand for long hours is often seen as part of the necessary commitment for business survival and expansion.
In many cases, financial benefits and the promise of equity (stock options) are offered as incentives, but reports of physical and mental exhaustion are becoming increasingly frequent.
Health Risks And Worker Protection Movements
In recent years, movements advocating for mental health and work-life balance have gained traction globally.
International organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), warn about the risks of excessive work, including increased rates of burnout, anxiety, and occupational diseases.
Recent studies indicate that workweeks exceeding 55 hours significantly elevate the risk of cardiovascular issues and depression.
AI Market Pressure And Impact On Working Conditions
The adoption of the 996 Schedule in the United States occurs in a context of explosive growth in artificial intelligence and significant investment influx, which heightens the pressure for fast deliveries and continuous innovation.
Industry data shows that AI startups have received record investment volumes since 2023, making the sector even more competitive.
Even with this regime’s negative history in China, American companies choose to relax internal rules to maintain productivity and attract professionals willing to endure intense work hours.
Future Of Work In Technology And Legal Challenges
Experts point out that the consolidation of this model could set precedents for legal and social discussions about the future of work in technology.
Unions, which historically have low representation in technology companies in the U.S., are beginning to question practices deemed abusive, especially in light of reports of work hours exceeding 60 or 70 hours per week without adequate compensation.
Innovation, Ethical Limits And The Debate Over The 996 Schedule
The debate over the 996 Schedule highlights the need for a balance between innovation and respect for labor rights.
The Chinese experience demonstrates that the pursuit of quick results can have serious consequences for professionals’ health and well-being.
At the same time, the example set by American startups shows that market pressure can create new paradigms for work in technology – including the return of practices already condemned in other countries.
For you, to what extent does the search for innovation justify such extensive work hours, and what are the ethical limits for the advancement of artificial intelligence? The future of the sector may depend precisely on the answers that society, companies, and governments will provide to this challenge.
-
Uma pessoa reagiu a isso.