Start-ups are increasingly promoting hardcore work cultures, such as the “996” schedule, which means working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
This intense work ethic reflects the fierce competition as companies race to lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI).
While the “996” culture aims to drive productivity and innovation, it also raises important questions about work-life balance and employee well-being in the tech industry.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/20/ai-996-startups/