Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of the "996" work culture in Silicon Valley, particularly within the AI startup sector, highlighting a shift from work-life balance to high-intensity work environments driven by competition and capital pressure [1][2]. Group 1: Emergence of 996 Work Culture - The "996" work schedule, which entails working from 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week, is becoming increasingly common in U.S. startups, especially in the AI field, as founders believe that intense effort is necessary to succeed in the technology race [1][2]. - Many startup CEOs are now asking potential hires if they are willing to accept a 996 work schedule during the interview process, making it a de facto requirement for some positions [2][3]. Group 2: Company Practices and Employee Responses - For instance, the AI startup Rilla explicitly states in its job postings that candidates uninterested in working over 70 hours a week should not apply, reflecting a culture where nearly all employees adhere to the 996 schedule [3]. - Some companies are adopting a "volunteer" approach, offering higher salaries and equity to those willing to work 996 hours, as seen in the remote healthcare company Fella & Delilah, where about 10% of employees opted for this arrangement [4]. Group 3: Perspectives on Work Intensity - The CEO of Sotira acknowledges that the 996 work culture is an open "unwritten rule" in the Bay Area startup scene, particularly during the initial years of a startup, although she notes that such demands should not be placed on regular employees [5]. - The debate over extended work hours is not limited to Silicon Valley; globally, there are discussions about whether more extreme work schedules, such as a "007" (working seven days a week), are necessary for building billion-dollar companies [6]. Group 4: Historical Context and Legal Considerations - Some individuals argue that the 996 culture has been prevalent in Silicon Valley for years, with many employees accepting high workloads in exchange for equity in startups, while others express concerns about the health implications of such work demands [7]. - There are warnings from industry experts that many companies enforcing 996 schedules may be violating labor laws by failing to classify positions correctly and not providing overtime pay, highlighting the legal risks associated with this work culture [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of the "996" work culture in Silicon Valley, particularly within AI startups, contrasting it with previous trends emphasizing work-life balance. Group 1: Work Culture Shift - The "996" work system, which involves working from 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week, is becoming increasingly common in U.S. startups, especially in the AI sector, as founders believe that intense effort is necessary to succeed in the technology race [1][3] - The pandemic had previously shifted the focus towards employee well-being and work-life balance, but the urgency of the AI competition has led to a cultural shift back towards high commitment and execution [3][4] Group 2: Recruitment Practices - Many startup CEOs are now asking potential hires if they are willing to accept a "996" work schedule during the interview process, making it a de facto requirement for some positions [3][4] - Companies like Rilla explicitly state in job postings that candidates uninterested in working over 70 hours a week need not apply, reflecting a growing trend in the industry [4] Group 3: Employee Incentives - Some startups are adopting a "voluntary" approach to the "996" work culture, offering higher salaries and equity to those willing to work longer hours, creating a dual-track system [5] - For instance, Fella & Delilah offers a 25% salary increase and doubled equity for employees who accept the "996" work schedule, with about 10% of employees opting in [5] Group 4: Global Perspective - The debate over extended work hours is not limited to Silicon Valley; it is a global discussion, with some investors suggesting that to build a $10 billion company, one must work seven days a week [6] - Acceptance of the "996" culture is reportedly higher in the U.S. compared to Europe, where weekend work is often met with shock [6] Group 5: Legal and Ethical Concerns - There are concerns regarding the legality of the "996" work culture in the U.S., with many companies failing to comply with labor laws and not providing proper classification or overtime pay for employees [6]