Google co-founder Sergey Brin has stirred debate by recommending a 60-hour workweek for employees working on the company’s Gemini AI models, describing it as the "sweet spot of productivity." In an internal memo, Brin also encouraged team members to be present in the office every weekday, signalling a push for more intense workplace engagement as Google accelerates its efforts in the race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI).
He cautioned against exceeding this threshold, which could lead to exhaustion, but criticised employees who contribute less than this standard, calling such behaviour "unproductive" and "demoralising" for others.
He framed the push for longer hours as essential in light of growing competition in the AI space, particularly following the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. "The final race to AGI is afoot," Brin wrote. "I think we have all the ingredients to win this race, but we are going to have to turbocharge our efforts."
While Google’s current hybrid work policy requires employees to be in the office at least three days a week, Brin's recommendations reflect a more intense approach. He urged engineers involved in AI development to attend the office every weekday, suggesting that in-person collaboration is crucial for achieving breakthroughs in AGI.This aligns with broader trends among major corporations like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase, which have been advocating for increased office attendance to boost productivity.
Advocates argue that such measures are necessary for Google to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI industry. The company faces stiff competition from rivals like OpenAI and Microsoft. Workplace experts have warned that extended workweeks could lead to burnout, decreased creativity, and lower overall productivity over time. Critics also question whether such demands are sustainable or fair to employees. The debate over long working hours is not unique to Silicon Valley. In India, leaders like Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy have similarly advocated for extended workweeks, while others, like Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi, have called for a more balanced approach.