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Silicon Valley Embraces '996' Work Culture Amid Controversy

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The "996" workday (9am–9pm, six days) is gaining traction in Silicon Valley.
Despite China's ban on mandatory 72-hour weeks, some Silicon Valley firms promote long hours in listings.
Executives increasingly ask candidates whether they will adopt demanding schedules.
Historically, long hours have been part of tech culture since the 1960s; Cognition explicitly requires 80-hour weeks.

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Story summary

The "996" workday (9am–9pm, six days) is gaining traction in Silicon Valley.
Despite China's ban on mandatory 72-hour weeks, some Silicon Valley firms promote long hours in listings.
Executives increasingly ask candidates whether they will adopt demanding schedules.
Historically, long hours have been part of tech culture since the 1960s; Cognition explicitly requires 80-hour weeks.