996 Work Culture: Extreme Hours in Silicon Valley
ORBITINDONESIA.COM – Silicon Valley is embracing the '996' work culture, reflecting an era where work-life balance is redefined in pursuit of innovation and competition.
The 996 workweek, stemming from China's tech scene in the 2010s, involves working 12-hour days, six days a week. Despite being made illegal in China in 2021, the practice persists, particularly in competitive industries like tech. In Silicon Valley, similar demands are emerging, where traditional 9-to-5 jobs are giving way to longer hours to remain competitive.
Companies in Silicon Valley are increasingly asking employees to adhere to extended work schedules akin to 996. For instance, AI commerce company Rilla offers high salaries but expects 70-hour workweeks. Startups like Cognition require up to 80 hours, reflecting a trend where long hours are seen as a necessity amidst economic uncertainty and job insecurity, compounded by tech layoffs.
Historically, Silicon Valley has been known for its demanding work culture, a legacy from the semiconductor boom in the 1960s. Critics argue that such work expectations hinder work-life balance, yet proponents claim it's essential to compete globally, particularly against countries like China, where similar hours are the norm despite legal restrictions.
As the tech industry grapples with balancing ambition and employee well-being, the 996 culture prompts a broader reflection on the true cost of innovation. Will Silicon Valley's relentless pace fuel progress, or will it ignite a re-evaluation of how we define productivity and success?
(Orbit dari berbagai sumber, 4 November 2025)
