🔗 Share this article

At present, a favorite leisure pick is a show set in the past illustrating wealthy characters in the Gilded Age. An interesting thread casually mentions factory laborers going on strike for the principle of “888”: eight-hour periods each of work, sleep, and recreation.

This concept was not new at that time. The motto, coined by visionary thinker Robert Owen, dates back to 1817. Before that, an old Spanish ordinance reportedly limited construction workers in the colonies to reasonable hours.

What might these historical figures or Philip II of Spain react to “996”? This term describes being on the job from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week – amounting to 72 hours of relentless effort. Starting in the tech sector in China, 996 was once called a “blessing” by a prominent e-commerce founder. Yet, Chinese workers disagreed, mobilizing online and prevailing in legal battles against employers.

Today, 996 is resurfacing – though it likely never went away. Evidence suggests that workers across industries are expected to endure extended hours. In Silicon Valley, embracing the 996 model is viewed as essential for success. Employment ads openly require grueling time commitments and stress that applicants need to be thrilled with the opportunity. Hiring managers are instructed that a readiness to commit fully is mandatory.

One publication declared that overwork ethos is making a comeback and tougher now. An entrepreneur summarized the philosophy as: “No drinking, no drugs, 996, lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs.” Another wrote online about regularly putting in time during days off and doing their best work after dark.

Many people don't understand with this development. Weren't we collectively moved away with the grind mentality? Recent successes from reduced-hour experiments demonstrate that almost every trial members chose to continue the alternative arrangement. Considering other nations, balanced work models that reconcile family, community, life and work do not necessarily hurt output and often lead to happier, healthier citizens.

For instance of the Netherlands, which has a typical labor schedule is around 32 hours. Even with shorter hours, this state has been doing better than similar countries and places high in the latest international satisfaction survey.

Furthermore, there is talk of increasing disinterest in overwork, particularly with the new workforce. Surveys from well-known organizations revealed that work-life balance emerged as the key consideration in choosing an employer. Unexpectedly, this element came ahead of salary as a motivator.

So what is this new, intense return to excessive labor? A couple of ideas might explain this trend. One possibility, it might represent the dying breath of a outdated belief – an “extinction burst” prior to its end. On the other hand points to recent research showing that excessive work results in brain changes. Studies find that those with extreme schedules show significant changes in brain regions related to cognitive control and feelings control. Considering a few famous tech leaders, such a conclusion appears credible. Maybe people with such brain changes could think that these conditions are beneficial or efficient.

Given that innovators typically embrace innovation, perhaps their overworked selves could be swayed that extreme schedules are old hat with audacious alternatives. Which ideas might catch on? People imagine shorter workweeks, which is close to a scholar's idealized 15-hour workweek. Different ideas include a specific ratio of work to rest, or dedicating one day in the office and more time on personal pursuits. It could be branded cleverly and claims that it enhances life, these alternatives could be the new phenomenon in high-pressure sectors.