Google’s Sergey Brin Pushes for Increased Work Hours in Race for Advanced AI
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has emphasized the critical need to accelerate the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). According to a recent report, Brin has asked the Google team working on the Gemini AI models to commit to a 60-hour workweek and maintain a daily presence in the office. He believes this heightened effort is essential to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin
The New York Times obtained an internal memo in which Brin stated that Google has the potential to lead the industry in achieving AGI, a milestone where machines surpass human intelligence. He asserted this goal could be realized if employees intensify their efforts.
“I recommend being in the office at least every weekday,” Brin wrote in the memo, adding that, “60 hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity.” However, he also cautioned that prolonged work beyond this threshold could lead to burnout. Brin expressed concern about employees who might be working fewer hours or doing the bare minimum, stating that such behavior is “not only unproductive but also can be highly demoralizing to everyone else.”
This call for increased work hours mirrors a broader trend of companies scaling back hybrid work policies in an effort to enhance productivity. Brin’s directive comes amid a surge in AI development, catalyzed by the 2022 launch of ChatGPT, which has significantly intensified competition throughout Silicon Valley. Although the memo doesn’t officially alter Google’s existing policy, which already requires three in-person workdays, it highlights Brin’s conviction that AGI is achievable if employees “turbocharge” their efforts.
“Competition has accelerated immensely and the final race to A.G.I. 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.”
Specifically, Brin highlighted the importance of leveraging Google’s own AI for coding, suggesting that self-improvement driven by AI is crucial for attaining AGI. He encouraged members of the Gemini team to become “the most efficient coders and AI scientists in the world by using our own AI.”
