SPOS #935 – Malissa Clark On Curing Workaholism

Jun 9, 2024

Associate professor Malissa Clark discusses workaholism, burnout, and well-being in the modern work environment. She explores the concept of the 'ideal worker' and the impact of the pandemic on work-life balance. Clark advocates for shorter workweeks, better communication, and psychological detachment from work. She emphasizes the need for empathy in leadership and balancing side hustles with mental rest for creativity.

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INSIGHT

Ideal Worker Defined

The "ideal worker" prioritizes work over everything else.
They are always available, even outside of work hours.

INSIGHT

Context Matters in Work-Life Balance

Context matters when evaluating employee behavior.
One-off requests may be acceptable, but consistent overwork isn't.

ADVICE

Four-Day Workweek

Implement a four-day workweek (32 hours) without reducing pay.
Maximize work time and allow for rest and recovery to boost engagement.

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Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #935. Malissa Clark is an associate professor of industrial/organizational psychology at the University of Georgia and the brains behind the Healthy Work Lab. Known for her expertise in workaholism, burnout, and employee well-being, Malissa has made significant strides in understanding the modern work environment. Her work has been featured in top journals like the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Management and many more. In this conversation, Malissa dove into the concept of the "ideal worker" and how this can wreak havoc on work-life balance. We talked about how the pandemic has changed our approach to work, pushing the need for flexibility and remote work options into the spotlight. She shared insights on how implementing changes like shorter workweeks and better communication practices can boost productivity and employee happiness. We also touched on the critical role of government and unions in ensuring fair work practices. Malissa didn’t hold back when discussing workaholism and the rise of hustle culture. She highlighted the importance of psychological detachment from work for overall well-being and how leaders today need to manage individual needs with empathy. Her thoughts on balancing side hustles and hobbies with work were particularly enlightening, stressing that we need time for daydreaming and mental rest to foster creativity. Malissa's latest book, Never Not Working - Why The Always-On Culture Is Bad For Business - And How To Fix It, tackles the unhealthy relationship many of us have with work. In a world that praises long hours and constant connectivity, Malissa offers a deep dive into busting myths and providing strategies to break free. She explains how overwork and burnout affect both individuals and organizations, and offers practical advice on fostering a healthier work culture. Whether you’re a leader or an employee, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to reclaim their well-being and improve company performance. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:01:55.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Malissa Clark.
Never Not Working - Why The Always-On Culture Is Bad For Business - And How To Fix It.
Healthy Work Lab.
Follow Malissa on X.
Follow Malissa on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

The concept of the ideal worker, who prioritizes work above everything else, can be detrimental to employee well-being and work-life balance.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to work, including remote work options.
Implementing changes in the workplace, such as shorter workweeks and improved communication practices, can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
Government regulations and the involvement of unions may be necessary to ensure fair and equitable work practices.
Work-life balance is a challenge in the modern work environment, and the concept of a mandated 40-hour work week may not be feasible in the US.
Psychological detachment from work is important for overall well-being and has been linked to positive outcomes such as work engagement and restful sleep.
The rise of hustle culture has led to the monetization of hobbies and side hustles, but it is important to find a balance and avoid obsession.
Leaders in the modern work environment need to manage individuals and their unique needs, which requires empathy and understanding.
Taking time for boredom, daydreaming, and being alone with one's thoughts is important for creativity and well-being in a constantly connected world.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:00 - The Gap Between Academic Research and Real-World Application
06:00 - The Concept of the Ideal Worker
09:00 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
11:00 - The Challenges of Remote Work
17:00 - The Changing Landscape of Work
25:00 - The Impact of the Pandemic on Work
31:00 - Reconciling Work and the Economy
42:00 - The Role of Government and Unions
43:33 - Work-Life Balance and the 40-Hour Work Week
44:31 - Identifying Workaholism and Burnout
46:58 - The Importance of Psychological Detachment from Work
47:57 - The Challenge of Constantly Thinking About Work
49:40 - The Rise of Hustle Culture
50:39 - The Individualization of Work and Leadership Challenges
51:30 - Balancing Hobbies and Side Hustles
56:24 - The Role of Leaders as Mentors and Life Coaches
57:30 - The Difficulty of Being Bored and Alone with Thoughts
59:55 - The Impact of Personal Conversations on Research