996 工作制席卷硅谷！招聘启事惊现“加班警告”：接受就是年薪翻倍+股权暴增，不接受就滚蛋

Core Viewpoint - The 996 work culture, characterized by working six days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM, is increasingly being adopted by startups in the AI sector in the West, despite its controversial reputation as a form of modern slavery [1][3][15]. Group 1: Adoption of 996 Work Culture - The number of U.S. startups explicitly requiring employees to adhere to the 996 work schedule has at least doubled in the past year, particularly in fast-evolving fields like AI and enterprise software [3][9]. - This shift contrasts sharply with the pre-pandemic focus on work-life balance and combating burnout, as companies now prioritize speed and high-intensity work [3][4]. Group 2: Case Studies of Startups - Rilla, an AI startup, achieved revenue growth from $0 to $40 million in three and a half years, with a net revenue retention rate exceeding 170%, by maintaining a work culture where employees often work over 70 hours a week [6][7]. - Rilla's hiring practices openly state the expectation of long hours, warning potential candidates that those who prioritize work-life balance need not apply [8][9]. Group 3: Perspectives from Founders and Investors - Founders like Amrita Bhasin of Sotira acknowledge the necessity of high-intensity work for startup founders but argue that imposing such demands on all employees is neither fair nor sustainable [9][10]. - Ritchie Cartwright of Fella & Delilah is experimenting with a "tiered approach" to work intensity, offering significant compensation increases for those willing to adopt a 996 schedule, indicating a trend towards incentivizing high-intensity work rather than mandating it [10][14]. Group 4: Cultural and Legal Implications - The debate around 996 has intensified, with some investors suggesting that even more extreme work schedules may be necessary to achieve significant business growth, highlighting a cultural divide between American and European attitudes towards work [15][16]. - Legal risks are emerging as many startups adopting 996 fail to properly classify employees under U.S. labor laws, potentially exposing themselves to significant liabilities [16]. Group 5: Public Reactions and Criticism - Public sentiment reflects skepticism towards the 996 culture, with many arguing that productivity should not be equated with long hours, and that smarter work practices can yield better results [18][20]. - European entrepreneurs express strong resistance to the 996 model, emphasizing that successful companies thrive on sustainable innovation rather than excessive work hours [19][20].