So long, nine-to-five. There's a new work schedule that is taking over. The grueling "996" schedule—which stands for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—is gaining momentum across the U.S., especially in certain industries, such as tech.
If a 72-hour workweek sounds all-consuming, that is precisely the point. The 996 schedule—which became popularized in China, eventually leading to protests and even claims that it led to a handful of worker deaths—is meant to foster a eat-sleep-work lifestyle. Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, told Fast Company that the trend is most commonly being seen across AI startups that "are embracing this approach to accelerate growth and remain competitive on a global scale."
While the intense work ethic sounds overwhelming, Spencer says that some young and hungry workers may actually be drawn to it. "Certain employees, especially younger workers, may even welcome this level of intense dedication, particularly when additional pay or incentives are offered," he said.
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