Why Being a Workaholic is Unbeneficial and Even Harmful

Workaholics can be found in any profession: from freelancers working on a laptop at the beach, to athletes doing double training sessions, or managers checking reports on Sunday evening. While dedication and ambition can be admirable, work can sometimes become something that consumes one's entire life.

Workaholics can be found in any profession: from freelancers working on a laptop at the beach, to athletes doing double training sessions, or managers checking reports on Sunday evening. While dedication and ambition can be admirable, work can sometimes become something that consumes one's entire life.

According to recent studies, about 15% of workers suffer from workaholism. It usually starts with ambition, perfectionism, or a simple desire to earn a bonus. Over time, a healthy work ethic can turn into an addiction with far-reaching consequences.

What Workaholism Is and Isn’t

Today, workaholism is viewed as an addiction that can affect certain people and professions. The consequences are almost always negative, which is why occupational safety experts are increasingly sounding the alarm.

The modern world implies constant availability of workers. People can be anywhere, but a message in a messenger app or an unexpected call can reach them on vacation, during a family dinner, or even in the hospital.

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands published a report analyzing the signs of a workaholic. It’s important to note that the term is often misinterpreted.

Some people work overtime because they are genuinely passionate about their job or seeking life’s meaning. Others are forced to work more due to financial obligations. Others are willing to put in extra effort temporarily for career advancement. All this is not a problem of workaholism, which encompasses four aspects: motivation, thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

A workaholic has an internal drive to work that is not related to direct necessity. All their thoughts revolve around work, making rest difficult.

Who Is More Prone to Workaholism

A large survey conducted in Western Europe shows that workaholism can affect people regardless of their profession or income level. Lawyers, HR specialists, educators, and entrepreneurs can all become workaholics.

Some people explain their work ethic by their fear of returning to poverty, while others feel the need to reach new heights. Women show a slightly greater tendency towards workaholism, and self-employed and remote workers are particularly vulnerable due to the constant availability of their workspace.

Programs like Zoom and Telegram blur boundaries, turning any place into a workspace. This became especially noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic and the problem has only intensified.

Consequences of Workaholism

While workaholism can provide short-term benefits, its long-term consequences are destructive. A workaholic often performs tasks at a satisfactory level, without significant career growth.

Constant fatigue leads to mistakes that harm colleagues and the organization. Workaholism is also correlated with life dissatisfaction and affects personal relationships and self-development.

Ultimately, workaholism trades all free time for work, which is often performed half-heartedly. This can lead to serious health problems and burnout.

Let your drive for success not come at the cost of your health and personal life. Find a balance between work and rest to maintain not only productivity but also well-being.