‘996’ Is a Chinese Tech Trend the US Should Skip

Since President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats could effectively put the US back in the business of banning Chinese imports, let me suggest one more to add to the list: “996.” The numbers refer to a work schedule that originated in China’s tech scene, under which people are supposed to work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, for months or even years at a time.

Despite the fact that China’s Supreme Court declared it illegal to require employees to work 72-hour weeks following a spate of overwork deaths, some in Silicon Valley are looking to 996 for inspiration. A handful of US tech companies — particularly in AI — have started encouraging, or even requiring, similar schedules. And some startup founders are embracing it as the only way to get ahead. This is a mistake. You can’t grind your way to breakthrough ideas, and overwork kills the curiosity and creativity that innovation depends on. In fact, if you’re in a job where 996 doesn’t hurt your ability to do your work well, you’re likely to be one of the first people replaced by AI.