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These days, a favorite entertainment option is a show set in the past illustrating Manhattan's elite in the Gilded Age. One storyline lightly explores factory laborers demanding better conditions for the concept of “888”: eight-hour periods dedicated to work, sleep, and recreation.

This idea was not new during that period. The phrase, linked to activist Robert Owen, originates from 1817. Before that, an old law restricted construction workers in the Americas to reasonable hours.

So what these historical figures or a Spanish monarch think of “996”? This term refers to being on the job from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days each a week – adding up to 72 hours of intense work. Originating in the tech sector in China, 996 was famously called a “blessing” by an influential business leader. However, employees in China disagreed, organizing through the internet and prevailing in legal battles versus their bosses.

Now, 996 is back – though it likely remained in practice. Sources show that employees across industries face expectations to endure extended hours. In Silicon Valley, following such hours is considered a way to get ahead. Recruitment posts explicitly mention grueling time commitments and indicate that candidates should be excited by the idea. Talent scouts are instructed that an openness to commit fully is absolutely required.

One publication announced that grindcore culture is making a comeback and more intense than before. A founder described the mindset as: “No drinking, no drugs, 996, lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs.” A different posted about regularly putting in time on Saturdays and Sundays and achieving greatness during odd hours.

A lot of individuals don't understand by this trend. Weren't we grown disillusioned with the grind mentality? Encouraging results from shorter workweek trials demonstrate that almost every involved firms chose to continue the alternative arrangement. Looking abroad, more enlightened approaches to work that reconcile family, community, life and work don't always come at a productivity cost and often lead to improved well-being.

As an example of the Netherlands, which has a typical labor schedule is around 32 hours. Even with shorter hours, the nation has been economically outperforming other economies and places in the top five in the most recent international satisfaction survey.

Additionally, discussions abound of growing work-agnosticism, notably in youth. Studies from leading companies showed that work-life balance ranked as the key consideration for career decisions. For the first time, this aspect surpassed salary in worker preferences.

So what are we seeing fresh, extreme embrace of grueling schedules? Two theories might explain this behavior. Initially, it may signal the dying breath of a outdated belief – an “extinction burst” prior to its end. On the other hand proposes new studies revealing that too much labor leads to mental alterations. Evidence state that people who work too much show alterations in neural pathways linked to executive function and emotional regulation. Considering a few famous industry personalities, this explanation fits well. Perhaps only those with such brain changes could believe that these conditions are beneficial or efficient.

Given that industry insiders often love novelty, it's possible their overworked selves could be swayed that extreme schedules are old hat with creative options. What exactly would be accepted? Many desire shorter workweeks, not far from a thinker's formerly suggested 15-hour workweek. Different ideas include a specific ratio of meetings to breaks, or dedicating a short time onsite and longer periods in leisure. It could be branded cleverly and rumors that it boosts longevity, such concepts might emerge as the next big trend in intense industries.