When work becomes your religion, nothing else matters

A UC Berkeley expert on religion examines the role that spirituality plays in productivity for tech workers in Silicon Valley. (iStock photo) In a country that has seen a steep decline in religious practice, what do we consider as sacred? How do we express our spiritual beliefs? And what is replacing traditional places of worship? Carolyn Chen found the answer to those questions talking to tech workers in the Bay Area. "Silicon Valley is one of the least religious places in America. I thought it would be a place devoid of religion and spirituality. But it is actually one of the most religious places I'd ever been," said Chen, a UC Berkeley professor and co-director of the. "Work is sacred to tech workers. Their companies and startups are the faith communities that spiritually form them and direct their devotion, giving them meaning, purpose and belonging in life." Over a five-year period, Chen delved into the Bay Area technology world and spent time with companies connecting with Silicon Valley executives, engineers and leaders.