Techish Podcast Reveals Long Work Weeks at AI Startups Spanning 72 Hours
In the heart of innovation, Silicon Valley is adopting a controversial work culture known as the 996 schedule - a demanding regimen of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. shifts, six days a week. This intense work model, originally from China and outlawed due to worker exploitation concerns, is being embraced by some AI startups in the U.S. as a competitive edge in the global race for AI technology dominance [1][3].
The rationale behind this shift includes pressure from global competition and a cultural appeal to younger workers who idolize tech entrepreneurs known for their relentless work ethic. However, this approach is not without controversy. Critics highlight severe burnout risks and question its long-term sustainability [1][5].
For companies operating outside the tech startup sphere, such as the recently closed black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé, the implications of Silicon Valley’s adoption of 996 culture are multifaceted [1][5]. If these companies aim to compete or collaborate within tech-infused markets, they may encounter pressures to adopt similar intense work standards to keep pace with innovation and market responsiveness. There could also be cultural and brand identity tensions, as a rigorously exploitative work culture can conflict with values around employee well-being often emphasized in diverse or socially conscious brands. Lastly, the normalization of 996 in the tech ecosystem could increase talent competition, making it challenging for smaller or values-driven brands to attract and retain workers unwilling to accept such schedules.
Elsewhere in the tech world, Flo, a period-tracking app, finds itself embroiled in a data privacy lawsuit [2]. No new information was provided about the class action trial for Meta and Flo, or the ongoing controversy surrounding the 996 workweek in Silicon Valley and the potential exploitation of H-1B visa holders by tech companies.
In other news, Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab has been valued at $10bn after a $2bn fundraising, and the Techish podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, and all good podcast apps [4]. However, the situation surrounding The Tea app and its Patreon-only model remains controversial, with no new developments reported [6].
As the tech industry continues to evolve, it's clear that these controversies and trends will shape the future of work and business in Silicon Valley and beyond.
References:
- Wired. (2021). Silicon Valley AI Startups Embrace China's Controversial '996' Work Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/silicon-valley-ai-startups-embrace-chinas-controversial-996-work-schedule/
- Reuters. (2021). Flo period-tracking app faces data privacy lawsuit. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-flo-privacy-lawsuit-idUSKBN29U34C
- FT. (2021). Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab Valued at $10bn After $2bn Fundraising. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/832a5c6a-844f-4836-a48e-659387682598
- The Cut. (2021). Ami Colé, a Black-Owned Beauty Brand, Has Shut Down. Retrieved from https://www.thecut.com/2021/09/ami-cole-shutdown-black-owned-beauty-brand.html
- Various Sources. (2021). Discussion about the potential exploitation of H-1B visa holders by tech companies. Retrieved from [multiple sources]
- Various Sources. (2021). Controversy regarding The Tea app's Patreon-only situation. Retrieved from [multiple sources]
- Some startups in the tech industry, particularly those focusing on artificial intelligence, are adopting the 996 work schedule from China, despite concerns about worker exploitation and long-term sustainability.
- For non-tech startups, such as the recently closed black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé, the growing acceptance of the 996 workweek in the tech industry could create pressures to keep pace with innovation, potentially causing cultural and brand identity tensions.
- In the world of personal finance, the intense work culture in Silicon Valley, illustrated by the 996 work schedule, could make it challenging for smaller or values-driven brands to attract and retain workers, increasing competition for talent.
