China's tech work culture is so intense that people sleep and bathe in their offices

Jason Lee

China's technology sector is booming at an intensely fast pace. Many startups are seeing their business grow faster than they can hire, placing a heavy burden on those already working within the industry.

"The pace of Chinese internet company growth is extremely fast," Cui Meng, general manager and cofounder of data startup Goopal, told Reuters. "I've been to the US and the competitive environment there isn't as intense as in China."

This has led many workers to put in overtime, sleeping at their desks, on cots, or even in provided bunk beds. Many employees are encouraged to live at the office during the workweek. Lunchtime naps are generally allowed, and those who end up staying past midnight usually pass out in the office.

Reuters photographer Jason Lee recently got an inside look at the phenomenon. Here's what he saw:

For companies whose employees regularly work past midnight, such as at BaishanCloud, bunk beds are provided for employees to crash in during the workweek.

IT engineers and programmers regularly work overtime. "Actually working overtime is a very casual thing," 28-year-old programmer Xiang Shiyang told Reuters. "Because I've invested the whole of my being into this company."

Some employees at RenRen Credit Management Co. sleep on provided camp beds in their office.