AI Researchers Warn of Burnout from Silicon Valley's '996' Work Culture

The intense work schedule gaining traction in the tech industry is taking a toll on employees, experts say.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Two AI researchers, Nathan Lambert and Sebastian Raschka, have expressed concerns about the growing '996' work culture in Silicon Valley, where employees work six days a week from 9am to 9pm. They say this demanding schedule, driven by intense competition in the tech industry, is leading to burnout and health issues for workers, including lost time with family and closed-mindedness. The researchers note that while passion for the work is a factor, the environment can come at a 'human expense' that is unsustainable in the long run.

Why it matters

The '996' work culture, which originated in China, is increasingly being adopted by tech companies in Silicon Valley as they race to stay ahead of the competition with rapid AI advancements. This trend raises concerns about the well-being and work-life balance of employees in an industry known for its intense work environment.

The details

According to the AI researchers, the '996' work schedule is becoming more common at prominent AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, where employees are driven to work long hours due to the pressure to constantly deliver and make a big impact. While some workers are willing to commit to this high-pressure culture out of passion for the work, the researchers warn that it can lead to issues like back and neck pain from skipping breaks, as well as a lack of work-life balance and closed-mindedness.

  • The '996' work culture has been well established in China and is now taking hold in the San Francisco tech scene.

The players

Nathan Lambert

A senior research scientist at the Allen Institute for AI.

Sebastian Raschka

An AI research lab founder who experienced the toll of the '996' work culture while working in academia.

OpenAI

A prominent AI research company that has reportedly adopted the '996' work culture.

Anthropic

An AI research company that has also reportedly adopted the '996' work culture.

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What they’re saying

“It's really hard because you have to deliver constantly.”

— Sebastian Raschka, AI research lab founder (Lex Fridman Podcast)

“That's what OpenAI and Anthropic are like. Employees commit to the high-pressure culture because they want to do the work, particularly the programmers.”

— Nathan Lambert, Senior research scientist, Allen Institute for AI (Lex Fridman Podcast)

“You can only do this for so long, and people are definitely burning out.”

— Nathan Lambert, Senior research scientist, Allen Institute for AI (Lex Fridman Podcast)

What’s next

The AI researchers suggest that the tech industry should examine the long-term sustainability and impact of the '996' work culture on employee well-being and productivity.

The takeaway

The intense '996' work culture gaining traction in Silicon Valley's tech industry, driven by fierce competition in AI development, is raising concerns about the toll it is taking on employees' work-life balance, health, and overall well-being. As the industry continues to push the boundaries, experts warn that this demanding schedule may not be sustainable in the long run.