Are you constantly working long hours without taking breaks or time off? Do you constantly think about work even during leisure time? Not to forget, do you prioritise your work over personal needs, such as sleep, nutrition, and social activities? If yes, you are most likely to be dealing with work addiction. Also known as workaholism, it manifests in various forms and can have serious consequences on your physical and mental well-being. We spoke to our expert Brittany Hunt, Head of Quality, Innovation and Research Department, Clinic Les Alpes, Switzerland, who explained work addiction, its signs, impact, and management measures.
What Is Work Addiction?
Work addiction, colloquially known as workaholism, refers to an uncontrollable need to work incessantly. This compulsion goes beyond professional ambition or the demands of one’s job roles; it becomes a defining centre of a person’s life, often at the expense of their health and personal relationships, said Hunt.
According to a study published in 2023, the prevalence of work addiction varies between 7.3-39.7% across different countries, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Signs Of Work Addiction
Here are signs of work addiction that you should watch out for:
- Inability to disconnect from work
- Internal pressures that lead to compulsion to work
- Neglecting social and familial duties
- Experiencing health issues due to overwork
- Feeling anxious or depressed about work
Differentiating Between Hard Work And Work Addiction
Hard work is characterised by diligence and a strong work ethic, typically aligned with achieving specific goals. It is usually balanced with other life activities. Hard workers can detach from their work and rest, maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being.
“Conversely, work addiction consumes a person's identity and self-worth, with individuals often using work to escape from personal issues or emotions, leading to an inability to relax and persistent engagement with work activities”, added Hunt.
Psychological Effects Of Work Addiction
Psychologically, work addiction can lead to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. The persistent stress of excessive work can exacerbate or trigger mental health issues, creating a cycle where the individual might work harder to avoid facing these psychological challenges, only worsening their effects.
Impact Of Work Addiction On Personal Relationships
In terms of personal relationships, work addiction can lead to neglect, where family and friends feel secondary to an individual’s work responsibilities. This can result in strained relationships, feelings of loneliness among family members, and conflicts with friends, potentially leading to social isolation, highlighted Hunt.
Physical Health Consequences Of Work Addiction
The physical health consequences of work addiction are significant. They include chronic stress-related ailments, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, muscle pains, and fatigue. Long hours in front of a computer can lead to eyestrain, headache, and disrupted sleep patterns. Similarly, the lack of physical activity can increase the risk of various metabolic syndromes, including type 2 diabetes.
Coping Mechanisms And Prevention
- Coping with work addiction involves recognising the problem, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, and adopting healthier work habits.
- Effective time management and taking regular breaks can help reduce the compulsion to work excessively.
- Prevention strategies include creating a balanced workplace culture that promotes well-being and not just productivity.
- Employers can offer flexible work schedules, recognise the signs of workaholism, and encourage employees to take time off.
Treatment For Work Addiction
- Treatment for work addiction often involves therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand the thoughts and motivations behind their overworking tendencies and develop healthier attitudes and behaviours.
- Support groups and counselling can also provide the necessary support and strategies to manage work addiction.
- In severe cases, residential treatment programs that focus on addiction recovery might be necessary to help individuals break the cycle of work addiction and learn to balance their life activities effectively.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any mental health issues to get the necessary treatment.]