UNCLEAR targets, unrealistic timelines, poor feedback mechanisms. Overworking, organisational injustice, even cyberbullying.

The appeal and allure of joining the tech industry, particularly fast-growing startups, seem to be giving way of late to horror stories of bad work environments and culture mismatch. Workers are tapping out, even as Big Tech continues to woo and poach talent with salary bumps of 20 to 25 per cent.

Is this the Singapore version of China's 996 work culture? Brunch, in The Business Times Weekend, hears from some frazzled tech workers - and their employers.