Marketplace Tech Work weeks are getting more intense for AI startups
Aug 14, 2025
Workers in China's tech sector are grappling with increasingly demanding hours, shifting from the infamous 996 to the grueling 007 work week. This trend reflects a worrying embrace of overwork culture, even as Silicon Valley startups are adopting similar practices. The conversation highlights the toll on employee wellness and the competitive pressures fueling these extreme schedules. As fatigue mounts, the normalization of such intense labor raises questions about sustainability and health in the tech industry.
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From 996 To 007: Escalating Work Culture
- China’s tech sector normalized extreme schedules like 996 (9am-9pm, six days) and now the 007 trend intensifies that pressure.
- The 007 model signals a cultural shift toward constant availability and faster product cycles to beat competitors.
Baidu PR Exec's Story Highlights Burnout
- Baidu's head of PR released videos glorifying working around the clock and told workers to keep their phones on 24-7.
- She later apologized after showing a clip where she forgot her child's school grade, revealing the personal toll of that culture.
Competition And Slowing Economy Fuel Overtime
- Intense competition and a sluggish economy are driving firms to push for faster, bigger product releases, increasing internal and inter-company pressure.
- Workers feel unable to resist overtime because layoffs and a large graduate pool create high supply and low bargaining power.