Carolyn Chen

Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley

Work Pray Code delves deep into the unique intersection of work and spirituality in Silicon Valley, where tech companies have created an environment that resembles a new form of religion. Author Carolyn Chen spent over five years conducting interviews and gaining exclusive access to Silicon Valley’s elite to examine how these companies blur the lines between work and religion. Tech giants are offering spiritual practices, such as Buddhist-inspired mindfulness and meditation, to their employees—focusing on maximizing productivity while fulfilling their workers’ need for purpose, belonging, and transcendence. As a result, traditional forms of worship are being replaced by an intense work culture that redefines how individuals experience spiritual fulfillment.