Eric Schmidt: 20-Somethings Need In-Person Immersion to Compete with 9-9-6 Work Ethic

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently ignited debate within the tech industry, asserting that remote work negatively impacts the careers of young professionals. Speaking on the All-In Podcast, Schmidt emphasized the necessity of in-person office environments for early career development, highlighting the intense global competition, particularly from China's demanding "9-9-6" work culture. His comments underscore a growing tension between employee preferences for flexibility and industry leaders' concerns about competitiveness.

Schmidt argued that winning in the technology sector necessitates significant tradeoffs, directly contrasting Western work-life balance with the rigorous schedule observed in China. He stated: > "If you’re going to be in tech and you’re going to win, you’re going to have to make some tradeoffs." He further explained that young professionals, particularly "20-somethings," learn fastest through "observing, overhearing debates, and getting real-time mentorship" that only in-person immersion provides.

The former executive pointed to China's "9-9-6" culture—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—as the benchmark for global competition. While China officially outlawed the 996 practice in 2021, Schmidt insisted during the podcast that many Chinese tech companies continue to adhere to it. This intense work ethic, he suggested, poses a significant challenge to U.S. tech companies, particularly in the race for AI dominance.

Schmidt has previously voiced similar sentiments, once criticizing Google for prioritizing work-life balance over winning, comments he later retracted. However, his recent remarks align with a broader trend, as Google itself has scaled back its liberal remote work policies. Notably, Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly urged employees working on the Gemini AI model to be in the office "at least" every weekday, suggesting 60 hours a week as "the sweet spot of productivity."

In a lighthearted moment during the podcast, Schmidt quipped that a strong work-life balance "fits government jobs," but maintained that ambitious technologists should prioritize "proximity, apprenticeship, and speed." His perspective highlights a strategic imperative for tech companies to foster environments conducive to rapid learning and innovation, especially for those new to the field, to effectively compete on a global scale.