Understanding Workaholism: Causes, Effects, and How to Overcome It

Work has several advantages on both personal and professional levels; however, there is a fine line between dedication to work and workaholism. Workaholism, also known as work addiction, is a serious mental condition that involves an inability to control oneself from working and a compulsive need to achieve job success. This article discusses the causes of workaholism, its effects and impacts, and ways to overcome this harmful issue. (1,2,3,4)

Causes of Workaholism

1.Psychological Factors

Psychological factors can play a significant role in workaholism. The root causes may include the following:

Workaholics may compensate for their low self-esteem with an obsessive need to succeed at work.
Perfectionists and narcissists may also become addicted to work.
Some may originate this need from childhood traumas, where they may have been treated and rewarded based on their performance.
Taking on adult responsibilities at an early age can contribute to workaholism.
Escaping from pressing issues can lead to addiction to work.
Psychological illnesses, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or bipolar disorder can also cause this addiction.

2.Social Factors

Social factors can also contribute to work addiction.

Sometimes social expectations can cause pressure on workers to meet certain social standards.
Lack of other social activities.
Individuals unable to maintain strong social relationships with people often prefer spending their time working and achieving goals.
Supervisors and colleagues may compel others to work excessively to gain their approval.
Social media has played a major role in shaping individuals’ perspectives and idealizing the hardworking image, further encouraging workaholic tendencies.

3.Organizational Factors

Some companies prefer results and productivity, regardless of the working hours. Workers can become overpressured to work longer than expected hours to fit in and be recognized.
High-demand jobs can overwhelm employees with numerous and ongoing projects with tight deadlines. This can push workers to become workaholics to meet their employers’ expectations.
Sometimes it is hard to disconnect from work, especially in workplaces that do not encourage work-life balance, such as work that requires consistent online connectivity via emails and calls.

Effects of Workaholism (5)

–Physically

Excessive, long hours of work and burnout are linked with serious, chronic diseases, such as chronic stress, insomnia, malnutrition, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

–Mentally

Workaholics are significantly prone to becoming anxious, and depressed, and may feel inadequate no matter how hard they try to accomplish.

–Socially

Work-life balance can be impaired by workaholism. Addicted individuals may neglect their family members and friends, preferring to work. This can create isolation and emotional distance.

–Work Performance

Over time, this addiction can cause burnout in individuals, causing their quality of work to decline due to lack of rest, poor nutrition, and dehydration. This can decrease their problem-solving abilities, and concentration, and negatively affect their overall productivity.

Overcoming Workaholism (6)

Managing workaholism symptoms requires several approaches:

–Recognition and Acceptance of the Problem

Self-awareness and acceptance that the individual has a workaholic problem is the first step in managing this issue. It involves recognizing the situation, understanding its negative effects, and intending to treat it.

–Professional Support

Healthcare providers can help overcome workaholism, through the following:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reshapes the patients’ attitudes toward work and helps develop healthy work habits.
Treatment approaches for anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem factors that can contribute to addiction behaviors.

– Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Effectively balancing work and life is essential to be successful on both the personal and professional levels. Participating in social activities, exercising, taking breaks, and spending time with relatives and friends can help reduce work-related stress, and prevent burnout, leading to a more fulfilling life.