Точка Синхронізації

Leading global technology firms and ambitious artificial intelligence startups have begun implementing or encouraging mandatory 72-hour work weeks across major tech hubs this month to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly accelerating AI arms race. Companies like the San Francisco-based Cognition AI and several high-growth firms in Beijing are reportedly pushing engineers to work 12-hour shifts six days a week, a move driven by the urgent need to outpace rivals in developing large language models and autonomous software agents. This shift marks a return to 'hustle culture' as venture capital investors demand faster prototypes and immediate returns on massive hardware investments. Industry analysts and labor experts are sounding the alarm regarding this trend, noting that such grueling schedules often lead to chronic burnout, diminished cognitive function, and long-term health complications. While the '996' model—working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—was originally popularized by Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent, the pressure of AI development has exported this philosophy back to Silicon Valley. Experts suggest that while short-term gains in code output might be visible, the quality of innovation often suffers when employees are deprived of rest and creative downtime. Furthermore, the psychological toll on the workforce is becoming a focal point of discussion within the tech community. Some junior developers report feeling dehumanized by the expectation to match the tireless 24/7 operating capacity of the very AI systems they are building. Legal experts also point out that these demands may run afoul of regional labor laws in Europe and certain US states, potentially exposing firms to significant litigation risks. Despite these concerns, the sheer volume of capital flowing into the sector continues to incentivize a 'growth at all costs' mentality, making the 72-hour work week a controversial new standard in high-stakes engineering.