European Startups Resist Adoption of China's '996' Work Culture Amid Funding Challenges

In a pivotal discussion surrounding workplace culture, European startup founders are pushing back against the growing pressure to adopt China's notorious '996' work culture, which demands employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. This debate gained traction recently on LinkedIn when some venture capitalists suggested that embracing such a grueling schedule could enhance competitiveness on the global stage. The backlash from European entrepreneurs, however, highlights a strong dedication to maintaining a healthier work-life balance and focusing on sustainable innovation rather than overwork.

The '996' work culture has been prevalent among Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba and ByteDance's TikTok, leading to widespread protests from workers over the intense demands it places on their lives. Many tech workers in Europe have expressed their reluctance to join companies that adopt such practices, indicating a cultural divergence between the East and the West regarding work expectations.

According to Sebastian Becker, a general partner at Switzerland-based Redalpine, the current dialogue reflects outdated views about European competitiveness. Becker criticized the recent call from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to revise the legal limit of eight-hour workdays, asserting that it does not adequately address the pressures faced by European startups in a global context. He pointed out that, "In Silicon Valley, 60-70 hour weeks aren’t the exception… we can have the same amount of smart, ambitious people, but if we’re consistently being outworked, we won’t win."

Contrarily, several industry leaders argue that rather than adopting a '996' mentality, European startups should focus on securing aggressive funding and resources to thrive. Sarah Wernér, co-founder of Husmus, emphasized that the key issue lies in funding disparities, stating, "What Europe really needs isn’t more hustle-porn; it’s more aggressive funding." A report published by Atomico in 2024 revealed that European tech startups have missed out on nearly $375 billion in growth-stage funding since 2015, limiting their ability to compete effectively.

This resistance to the '996' work culture is further underscored by the generational shift in workplace expectations. Jas Schembri-Stothart, founder of Luna, noted that younger generations exhibit less tolerance for toxic work environments, suggesting that such a culture could drive away top talent. "People may tolerate overwork for a while, but eventually it leads to churn and even resentment, especially with Gen Z and younger millennials," she said. This sentiment is echoed by multiple founders and venture capitalists who advocate for a balanced approach to work that prioritizes employee well-being alongside productivity.

Noa Khamallah, general partner at Don’t Quit Ventures, asserts that the most successful European companies have achieved their success not through overwork, but by fostering cultures of sustainable innovation. He cited prominent companies such as Spotify and SAP as examples that have thrived under different principles. Khamallah warned that the relentless push for longer hours might alienate potential talent who value their mental health and work-life balance.

The call for adopting the '996' work culture has sparked significant debate, revealing a cultural rift and differing philosophies on productivity in the global startup ecosystem. While some argue that increasing working hours may be necessary to compete with U.S. and Chinese counterparts, others firmly believe that European startups should prioritize funding and innovation over the glorification of overwork.

As the debate continues, the implications for the European startup landscape could be profound. Founders emphasize that adopting a healthier work culture could lead to improved retention rates, higher job satisfaction, and ultimately, a more robust and innovative tech ecosystem. The future of the European startup scene may depend on its ability to balance ambition with sustainability, ensuring that it remains competitive without sacrificing the well-being of its workforce.