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Google co-founder Sergey Brin has called on employees developing the company’s AI models to commit to 60-hour workweeks and daily office attendance, but warned that anything more risks burnout.
In an internal memo cited by The New York Times, Brin warned that anything less than full dedication risks slowing Google’s competitive edge in the AI arms race.
“Competition has accelerated immensely, and the final race to AGI is afoot,” he wrote. “I think we have all the ingredients to win this race, but we are going to have to turbocharge our efforts.”
Brin’s push for extended working hours reflects a growing trend of companies intensifying workplace expectations as they reverse hybrid policies in an effort to drive productivity.
While advocating for increased effort, however, he added a note of caution about the risk of burnout.
“Sixty hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity,” Brin said, warning that excessive workloads beyond this threshold could be detrimental.
The return-to-office debate intensifies
Brin’s memo stops short of mandating a change to Google’s official return-to-office (RTO) policy, which currently requires employees to be in the office at least three days per week.
His remarks make it clear, however, that he believes a full-time office presence is key to achieving AI breakthroughs.
“I recommend being in the office at least every weekday,” he wrote.
His stance reflects wider shifts in corporate attitudes toward remote work, particularly in sectors where innovation and speed are paramount.
The AI boom, spurred by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022, has created intense pressure on tech firms to accelerate development, with Google’s Gemini project playing a central role in its AI ambitions.
Balancing ambition with employee well-being
Brin also stressed the importance of using Google’s own AI tools to enhance efficiency, urging employees to become “the most efficient coders and AI scientists in the world by using our own AI.”
This aligns with Google’s broader strategy of integrating AI into workplace functions to boost productivity.
While Brin’s call for heightened commitment may resonate with some, it raises questions for HR leaders about employee well-being, engagement, and long-term sustainability. The challenge for Google and other firms pushing for greater in-office time and extended work hours, will be balancing long-term goals with the risk of employee burnout, retention issues, and workplace culture concerns.
As companies navigate the evolving demands of AI development, business leaders and HR professionals will need to carefully assess how far they can push their workforce without compromising long-term performance and well-being.
