Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns U.S. tech workers: competing with China’s grueling 12-hour workdays means sacrificing work-life balance

FortuneThursday, September 25, 2025 at 4:17:28 PM
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns U.S. tech workers: competing with China’s grueling 12-hour workdays means sacrificing work-life balance
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has raised concerns about the intense work culture in China, particularly the '996' work ethic, which demands long hours and sacrifices work-life balance. He warns that U.S. tech workers may face challenges competing with this grueling standard, highlighting the potential risks to personal well-being and job satisfaction. This discussion is crucial as it sheds light on the ongoing debate about work culture in the tech industry and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
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