While involvement with work tasks has traditionally been viewed as prosocial behaviour, there is a tipping point where such engagement turns maladaptive. Notably, excessive work involvement can lead to significant disruptions in key life domains, such as health and social relationships (Aziz & Zickar, 2006).
What is Workaholism?
Workaholism is a compulsive and extreme need to work, often characterised by an unrelenting drive to prioritise work above all else, including family, friends, and personal well-being (Andreassen, 2014). Beyond our day-to-day engagement with work, workaholism manifests as an obsession with work, leading to detrimental effects on both individuals and their surrounding environments.
Key signs of workaholism include (Sussman, 2013):
- Excessive time spent working.
- Difficulty disengaging from work, even beyond the requirements of the job, often accompanied by negative emotions during and after work episodes.
- Frustration or agitation when prevented from working, such as when spending time with family.
- An inflexible or compulsive working style, which can strain relationships at work and at home.
This compulsive behavior does not occur in isolation. To fully grasp why some individuals fall into this pattern, we must examine the contributing factors that predispose certain individuals to workaholism.
Factors that Increase Risk for Workaholism
Perfectionism
One of the most significant contributors to workaholism is perfectionism. Workaholics often internalise high standards, equating their self-worth with their ability to meet these expectations (Malinowska & Tokarz, 2014). While this pursuit of high standards can result in quality work, it also leads to chronic exhaustion, guilt for taking breaks, and relentless self-pressure (Malinowska & Tokarz, 2014). Perfectionists are particularly vulnerable in the workplace, as they obsess over avoiding errors, often viewing mistakes as indicators of personal inadequacy (Kun et al., 2020). Maladaptive rumination—a hallmark of perfectionism—fuels work addiction by perpetuating a cycle of self-criticism and obsessive effort.
Lack of Confidence
Closely related to perfectionism is a lack of confidence, which drives individuals to overcompensate by working excessively. Some people feel inferior to their peers and attempt to mask their insecurities by proving their worth through relentless effort (Young et al., 2003). They fear criticism and strive to produce flawless work to avoid negative feedback. This insecurity fosters a compulsive need to achieve and can manifest in behaviors such as avoiding breaks or taking on unnecessary responsibilities to demonstrate competence (Gagné & Deci, 2005).
Approval-Seeking and Achievement Orientation
Building on the themes of perfectionism and insecurity, some workaholics are driven by a desire for external validation. They equate their self-worth with others’ approval and strive for remarkable outcomes to avoid being judged as failures (Young et al., 2003; Kealy et al., 2017). This relentless pursuit of recognition reinforces compulsive working habits, which temporarily alleviate feelings of inadequacy but perpetuate a cycle of overwork and emotional distress (Mazzetti, Guglielmi, & Schaufeli, 2020).
Societal Influences
While personal traits play a significant role in workaholism, it is also important to examine the societal influences that exacerbate this behavior.
Modern technology and societal expectations blur the boundaries between work and personal life, enabling individuals to remain connected and responsive to work demands outside office hours (Tang, 2018). In Singapore, deep-rooted cultural practices further exacerbate the issue. Employees often feel compelled to:
- Stay in the office until their bosses leave.
- Join long, obligatory lunch breaks with colleagues.
- Avoid leaving on time, fearing judgment from peers or supervisors.
- Complete tasks immediately, even if deadlines permit more flexibility (Tang, 2018).
These societal norms, coupled with the ever-present connectivity offered by smartphones and laptops, create an environment where workaholism flourishes. However, the consequences of such behaviors extend far beyond the workplace.
Implications of Workaholism
The consequences of workaholism are profound and multifaceted. Workaholism is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including burnout, depression, physical health issues, and dissatisfaction with both career and life (Quinones & Griffiths, 2015). The intense stress experienced by workaholics contributes to sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, and other stress-related symptoms (Bonebright et al., 2000; Andreassen et al., 2011).
Workaholism also has a significant impact on interpersonal relationships. Increased work–family conflict is a critical implication, as workaholics often struggle to balance professional and personal responsibilities. This imbalance can strain relationships, lead to marital conflict, and impair overall quality of life. Furthermore, organizations face detrimental outcomes, including reduced employee productivity and morale, as workaholics’ obsessive tendencies can negatively affect team dynamics and workplace culture (Schaufeli et al., 2008).
Understanding the consequences of workaholism underscores the importance of intervention strategies. The following section explores practical approaches to managing this pervasive issue.
How Can We Manage Workaholism?
Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for workaholism. It helps individuals identify and challenge automatic, biased thoughts that perpetuate compulsive work habits (Andreassen, 2014). For example:
- Reframing thoughts such as, “If I make a mistake, I’m a failure,” into more balanced perspectives.
- Shifting rigid beliefs about workplace responsibility, such as, “I have to do everything myself for it to be done right.”
- Addressing core fears, including the belief that self-worth is tied to achievement (Sussman, 2018).
CBT also incorporates problem-solving strategies, aiding individuals in evaluating the benefits and costs of their decisions to promote better time management.
Self-Care Strategies
A holistic approach is essential for restoring life balance. This includes adopting healthier routines such as regular exercise, balanced diets, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques. Stress management practices, assertiveness training, and incorporating spiritual or existential reflections can also mitigate the emotional and physical toll of workaholism (Holland, 2008).
Conclusion
Workaholism—while often celebrated in high-achieving societies—poses significant risks to individuals and organizations. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges its psychological, societal, and cultural dimensions. By promoting healthy work habits, fostering self-awareness, and encouraging systemic change, we can mitigate the normalisation of workaholism and create healthier, more sustainable professional environments.
Written by:
Tan Jo Yee
National University of Singapore
References
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