The Know Daily - Wednesday 8 October 2025

_{Read in 4m 17s ∙ Listening to Thomas Buckler ∙}

Mattel has launched Team Barbie – a new initiative designed to champion confidence, leadership and ambition in girls 🌟 The project spotlights a coalition of four rugby players from across the globe who want to show how sport can empower self-belief and help build teamwork and communication skills. 

⏰ The “996” workweek

From tech startups to corporate offices, “996” has been making headlines as a work culture phenomenon. 

First, a bit of context.
“996” means 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week – that’s 72 hours per week before using overtime. It’s mostly seen in high-pressure tech or startup environments, where the idea is that more hours equal more output, innovation and progress. Basically, it’s the ultimate hustle culture. 

Where is it being practiced?
It’s most famous in China’s tech sector, with companies like Alibaba promoting it. Workers and commentators have often criticised it for being intense and taking a toll on physical and mental health. In fact, China’s Supreme Court declared the practice illegal in 2021.

Similar “always-on” cultures have appeared in fast-growing startups and venture-backed firms in the US, though usually without an official 996 schedule. That being said, The New York Times has reported that some Silicon Valley employers are asking prospective employees if they’re open to a 72-hour workweek, with reports suggesting 31% of startups there are using the system.

What do advocates say?
Supporters argue 996 can speed up business outcomes and create momentum in competitive industries. Some companies sweeten the deal with perks like higher pay, bonus schemes, or equity stakes – incentives designed to make those extra hours feel worthwhile. For founders or small teams racing to scale, it can also foster a sense of shared purpose and drive.

What are the drawbacks?
The flipside is real: burnout, stress and poor work-life balance. Studies link excessive hours to lower productivity over time, mental health struggles and even physical health risks. An “always-on” culture can make it tricky for staff to switch off, take proper leave, or separate work from life – something many employees say is essential to staying motivated in the long run.

The bigger picture.
While 996 is most visible in tech-heavy sectors, it sparks wider questions about the future of work and how companies value employee wellbeing versus output. Many argue that alternatives like flexible schedules, task-focused targets, or four-day weeks can deliver results without the same strain. As the conversation grows, companies are increasingly considering how to combine ambition with sustainability for their teams.

⚡️ Renewables takeover: Combined global solar and wind power have overtaken coal as the biggest source of electricity and outpaced demand, according to a new analysis.

• The bigger story: The surge was driven largely by rapid renewable growth in China and India, while fossil fuel output dropped. Analysts say the milestone suggests renewables are now capable of meeting rising power demand – a signal that global energy systems may be shifting toward cleaner sources.

🤖 Hopeful humanoid: A group of researchers in Switzerland are making progress trying to create computers out of living cells.

🟦 Poll points: New polling has shown 46% of members of the Conservative party would support a merger with Reform UK to create a single party.

🧛‍♀️ 100% faithful?: The highly anticipated Celebrity Traitors is launching in the UK this evening. A bit of homework: here are some expert tips to read body language.

🐶 Practically pawfect: A new member's club for dogs is set to open in the heart of London this October.

🍂 Blooming beautiful: Experts at the National Trust are predicting a “fiery and spectacular” rainbow of colour will bloom across the UK this autumn.

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Trivia answer: C) The stage at St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn is thought to have once hosted Shakespeare himself.

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