Has work taken over your life? Here’s what to do about it.
Nov 15, 2024
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Malissa Clark, an Associate Professor of industrial-organizational psychology and author of "Never Not Working", discusses the impact of workaholism on individuals and organizations. She reveals how many equate long hours with success, while neglecting mental health. From personal stories of recovery to practical strategies like underscheduling, the conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing relationships. Highlights also include recognizing the compulsive nature of workaholism and effective methods for achieving a healthier work-life balance.
Workaholism, driven by inner pressure, negatively impacts mental health and relationships, making balance essential for well-being.
Recovering from workaholism involves practical strategies like underscheduling, setting boundaries, and engaging in non-work-related activities.
Deep dives
Understanding Workaholism
Workaholism is defined as a compulsion to work excessively, driven by an inner pressure that persists even in the absence of external demands. This goes beyond simply working long hours; it involves a constant mental preoccupation with work that can lead to significant anxiety and guilt. It is characterized by difficulty in stopping work, even when not required, and a compulsive need to stay busy, almost akin to addiction. Recognizing these traits is crucial for individuals to identify their tendencies and understand that workaholism can have detrimental effects on both personal health and relationships.
The Impact of Workaholism on Personal Life
Individuals who exhibit workaholic tendencies often struggle to balance their professional responsibilities with personal life, leading to negative implications on their mental and physical well-being. For instance, one individual reflected on how their relentless drive to succeed impacted their health and relationships, particularly after becoming a first-time parent. The stress and pressure to maintain high performance in both academics and family commitments caused significant personal strain. As a result, it became essential for these individuals to prioritize health and family, rather than succumbing to the allure of constant productivity.
Strategies for Recovery and Balance
Effective recovery from workaholism often involves implementing practical strategies that encourage a healthier relationship with work. Tools such as underscheduling—leaving gaps between appointments—help create a sense of space and reduce the frantic pace of life. Moreover, setting clear boundaries for work hours and seeking support from colleagues and loved ones can create necessary guardrails against overcommitment. Engaging in non-work-related mastery experiences, such as learning new skills or hobbies, can also provide mental break while promoting a fulfilling return to balance in life.
You may love your work, but are you working too much? Despite awareness of burnout, many of us still see working long hours as a badge of honour.
We hear from reformed 'workaholics' and experts to uncover how to address our culture of overwork, and what recovery looks like.
Guests:
Malissa Clark, Associate Professor of industrial-organisational psychology, University of Georgia and author, Never Not Working:Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It