07. Workaholic's Dilemma : Balancing Passion and Well-Being in the Workplace

 

Most people consider hard work as a positive attribute. Hard work can often lead to positive benefits of success or personal satisfaction. However, too much of a good thing, even hard work, could have negative consequences when unchecked.

Before classifying yourself or others around you as a workaholic, know the signs of a workaholic is more than just working long hours or loving your job. 

Working hard can have its benefits, but it can also go too far. Learn how to identify when working becomes a health issue.

1. What is workaholism?

The term “workaholism” was first used in 1971 by psychologist Wayane Oates, and he defined it as a compulsion or an uncontrollable need to work incessantly.

However, here are some commonalities for what is considered a workaholic.

• Internal pressures of feeling compelled to work   
• Thinking about work when not working
• Working beyond what is expected of job requirements despite negative consequences that may result in personal life (i.e. marriage strain).

2. Signs of a workaholic

Mentally at Work All the Time

Workaholism is not just the number of hours someone works. Instead, a sign someone is a workaholic is their mind is still at work even when they are physically not. 

As a consequence, work intersects every area of their life. They may seem distracted or mentally absent when at home because their thoughts are at work, and they feel guilty when not working.

Emotional Burnout

Workaholics can feel anxious or depressed when not working and may feel relief and satisfaction when working. However, eventually emotional burnout, even when working, will occur. 

Workaholics may appear emotionally unavailable, drained and may feel ambiguity for other topics besides their work. Stress, relationship conflict and anxiety can also increase with workaholism. 

Using Work to Escape Negative Feelings

One reason why someone may be a workaholic is working distracts them from negative feelings like depression, anxiety or guilt. Like addictions, workaholism can be a way to “escape” feelings experienced while not working.  

Losing Interest in Hobbies and Other Activities

As someone gets consumed by work, their desire for other interests outside of work goes away. Someone who once loved exercising, playing sports or socializing with friends/family no longer has interest in these activities. They would instead choose to do something related with work.

3. Health impact of being workaholic

• High blood pressure

• High blood triglycerides

• Low HDL (good) cholesterol

• Carrying extra weight around the midsection

• Elevated blood sugar

4. What talent management can do for workaholic employees.

1. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance:

• Emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
• Encourage employees to take breaks, utilize vacation time, and set boundaries for after-work hours.

1. Open Communication:

• Foster an open and non-judgmental communication environment.
• Initiate conversations about workload, stress levels, and personal well-being to understand the factors contributing to excessive work hours.

1. Set Clear Expectations:

• Establish realistic expectations for workload and deadlines.
• Clearly communicate expectations regarding working hours and overtime, ensuring that employees understand the importance of maintaining balance.

1. Encourage Time Management:

• Provide resources and training on effective time management.
• Help employees prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to avoid overcommitting.

1. Recognize and Reward Results, Not Hours:

• Shift the focus from hours worked to results achieved.
• Recognize and reward employees for their achievements and contributions rather than the sheer amount of time spent working.

1. Lead by Example:

• Model a healthy work-life balance as a leader or manager.
• Demonstrate that success can be achieved without sacrificing personal well-being.

1. Provide Support Services:

• Offer access to support services such as employee assistance programs or counseling for those struggling with work-related stress.
• Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help if needed.

1. Implement Flexible Working Arrangements:

• Introduce flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to accommodate different work styles and personal needs.

Conclusion

Being a workaholic means to mentally always be focused on work even when not physically there. You lose interest in other activities and may feel anxious or guilty when not working. The reason to address workaholism is it can negatively impact emotional, physical, and mental health. 

If you or someone you know is a workaholic, there are ways to combat this condition. It is important to recognize the problem and be open to changing some work habits such as setting work boundaries, taking time off, and finding other interests.

References

Marie, S., 2020. What is a Workaholic? Signs and How to Manage. [Online]
Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/are-you-a-workaholic
[Accessed 03 12 2023].

Syed, N., 2021. How to manage a workaholic employee. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/mental-health/how-to-manage-a-workaholic-employee/303216
[Accessed 03 12 2023].

Team, B., n.d. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A WORKAHOLIC?. [Online]
Available at: https://blog.mybalancemeals.com/lifestyle/workaholic-meaning/
[Accessed 03 12 2023].