"As employers have wrested back control of the job market, it has been a sharp contrast to the post-pandemic years when workers seemed to hold the power. In 2025, employees fretted about their job security and the sweeping impact of artificial intelligence on their work lives-not to mention corporate America's continued commitment to keeping them in the office for longer."
"This year saw the return of hustle culture in Silicon Valley, as AI startups popularized a grueling work schedule that became popularized in China. The "996" schedule refers to a 72-hour workweek-in other words, working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week-and has grown more common in Silicon Valley as founders and tech leaders scramble to outrun the competition. But experts say this could stoke burnout at a time when workers are already stretched too thin."
Employers regained control of the job market in 2025, reversing the post-pandemic period when workers held more leverage. Employee concerns intensified around job security and the broad effects of artificial intelligence on roles and workflows. Corporate policies pushed stronger return-to-office mandates, with some companies and government agencies ending remote-work allowances. A renewed hustle culture emerged, exemplified by the "996" schedule—long, six-day workweeks—raising burnout risks. Worker responses evolved from quiet quitting to job hugging and other behaviors as employees navigated fairness, values alignment, and leaders' willingness to change workplace structures.
Read at Fast Company
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