Do you really know? How can I beat my work addiction ?
Nov 9, 2025
Discover the dark side of workaholism, originally labeled an addiction by psychologist Wayne Oates. Explore how compulsive work habits invade personal time and lead to health issues like poor sleep. Learn about the social pressures and personality traits that increase the risk of becoming a workaholic. Get tips on identifying work addiction through online tests and hear practical advice on setting boundaries and seeking help to restore balance in life.
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Workaholism Is About Compulsion Not Hours
- Workaholism is an addiction defined by an uncontrollable need to work incessantly rather than only long hours.
- It manifests as inability to switch off and constant preoccupation with work even outside contracted time.
Health Risks Come From Compulsion
- Working long hours alone isn't the key predictor of health harm; compulsive work patterns are.
- Workaholics report more sleep problems and emotional exhaustion regardless of hours worked.
Social Drivers And Personal Risk Factors
- Social pressure to achieve status can push people toward workaholism and escalate workload and stress.
- Perfectionism, narcissism, and past addictions increase the risk of compulsive working.