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Technology companies are increasingly asking their employees to work long hours because they’re eager to stay ahead in the fast-growing artificial intelligence industry. This trend has raised worries among labour experts about whether such intense work schedules can be maintained in the long run.
A BBC investigation found that some companies have adopted schedules of up to 72 hours a week to speed up AI development. The culture, often associated with high-pressure sectors like finance and consulting, seems to be intensifying in the technology industry as the race for AI dominance heats up.
Employees interviewed for the report described a workplace environment driven by urgency, where long shifts are sometimes expected to meet tight deadlines for training and deploying advanced models. One engineer at a leading AI laboratory, speaking anonymously, said “the intensity is unbelievable,” adding that 12-hour days had become routine.
The pressure arises amid unprecedented global investment in artificial intelligence, with infrastructure spending projected to exceed $500 billion annually. Major technology firms — including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic — are competing to develop more powerful systems, reinforcing what some observers have called an industry “gold rush”.
Race for innovation
The demands are partly driven by the technical nature of AI itself. Training large language models requires vast computing power, continuous data processing and teams able to respond quickly to setbacks or breakthroughs. With investor expectations high and product cycles shortening, companies are under pressure to deliver results at speed.
Labour protections for salaried technology workers remain relatively limited in some countries, particularly the United States, allowing employers greater flexibility over working hours. Similar patterns are reportedly emerging in major AI hubs such as Beijing and Bengaluru.
A 2025 study by the International Labour Organisation found that while technology employees typically work around 48 hours per week, artificial intelligence specialists frequently work more than 60 hours.
Companies have defended the approach as part of developing transformative technology. A spokesperson for one firm said the work “is not a nine-to-five job,” highlighting share-based compensation and flexible arrangements as incentives. Critics, however, argue that extended hours disproportionately impact junior employees and those from underrepresented groups.
Risks to health and creativity
Health specialists warn that sustained overwork can lead to sleep deprivation, stress-related illnesses and reduced cognitive performance — factors that may ultimately undermine innovation rather than support it.
The World Health Organisation has previously associated long working hours with hundreds of thousands of deaths each year from conditions such as stroke and heart disease.
Research also indicates that productivity gains from longer hours tend to decrease over time. Studies show that teams with balanced workloads often perform better than those under constant pressure, as fatigue increases the risk of errors and staff turnover.
The issue has started to draw political attention. Trade unions in parts of Europe are calling for stricter enforcement of working-time rules, while some US lawmakers are considering labour protections specifically for the AI sector.
Economic promise, social questions
Artificial intelligence is widely expected to bring significant economic advantages. McKinsey estimates that the technology could boost global GDP by up to $15 trillion by 2030. However, analysts warn that a culture of overwork might discourage talent and reduce diversity, potentially undermining the industry’s long-term prospects.
As the AI industry continues its rapid growth, companies and policymakers face a challenging balancing act: maintaining the pace of innovation while safeguarding the workforce behind it from being pushed beyond sustainable limits. Whether the sector can reconcile ambition with employee wellbeing may prove vital to its future success.
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