Workaholism is a form of addiction with consequences comparable to alcoholism and drug dependence. In today's world the problem is becoming more pressing, as a culture of constant busyness and high achievement takes deeper root in society.
The University of Bergen Study
In 2014, a group of scientists from the University of Bergen carried out a large-scale study aimed at examining workaholism as a behavioral addiction. They developed the "Bergen Work Addiction Scale", which allows workaholism to be diagnosed using the following criteria: constantly thinking about work, even outside working hours; neglecting rest and personal life for the sake of work; and experiencing stress and anxiety when unable to work.
The results showed that workaholism works through the same mechanisms as other types of addiction and leads to similar negative consequences for mental and physical health.
The Trinity College Study
In 2018, researchers from Trinity College Dublin conducted a meta-analysis of more than 60 studies on workaholism. They found that workaholism is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health problems.
What is more, workaholism often leads to physical exhaustion, cardiovascular disease and other somatic problems.
The Harvard Medical School Study
In 2020, a study by Harvard Medical School confirmed that workaholism can have serious health consequences. The scientists found that people who suffer from workaholism are at greater risk of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
They also noted that workaholism harms family and social relationships, which increases stress and aggravates mental health problems.
The World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has included workaholism in the list of behavioral disorders in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
The WHO stresses that workaholism can significantly reduce quality of life and requires professional help to treat.
Signs of Workaholism
Workaholism can be recognized by several characteristic signs. If a person's whole life revolves around work, that is the first warning signal. Such people often have no other hobbies or interests, and all their thoughts and actions are tied exclusively to work tasks.
They may prefer to spend time at work even when they could spend it with family or friends. Work becomes priority number one, and they may work overtime or even without pay, believing they are doing it for the sake of an idea or a great result.
How Workaholism Affects Your Health
The consequences of workaholism can be extremely negative. Constant tension and a lack of proper rest lead to emotional burnout. A person begins to hate their work, and their emotional state and health gradually deteriorate.
Physical exhaustion is another serious consequence of workaholism. Overwork can lead to various somatic illnesses, and in the end a person may end up on sick leave. Losing the ability to work, or having to take temporary sick leave, can trigger deep depressive reactions, up to and including clinical depression.
The Impact on Employers
From an employer's point of view, workaholism and perfectionism can look like attractive qualities. Such employees seem very meticulous and driven, eager to achieve high results. In practice, however, this can backfire.
Employees pushed to exhaustion become less productive, fall ill often and may break down completely. This means the company bears extra costs for sick pay and suffers a loss of productivity.
How Can You Deal with Workaholism?
To avoid the negative consequences of workaholism, it is important to learn to keep a balance between work and personal life. Try to build time for rest and leisure into your daily routine.
Find hobbies or activities that bring you joy and have nothing to do with work. Learn to say "no" to extra tasks if they get in the way of your personal time. If you feel you cannot cope on your own, do not hesitate to turn to a psychologist or a career consultant.
In many countries, Workaholics' Day is marked on July 5.
This holiday reminds us how important it is to maintain a balance between work and personal life in order to preserve our health and well-being.
Remember that more than half of Russian employers encourage workaholism, but that does not mean you have to sacrifice your health for work. Listen to yourself, your wishes and your needs, so that you do not turn into a workaholic and can keep harmony in your life.