Research shows that overworking harms both individuals and employers. Malissa Clark explains how companies create workaholic cultures, leading to higher turnover and disengagement. Strategies to change this include focusing on outcomes, setting clear boundaries, and implementing a four-day work week.
Workaholism does not correlate with productivity; pandemic-induced 'always-on' culture hinders engagement and increases turnover.
Organizations should focus on outcome-based rewards, implement speed bumps to combat workaholic behaviors, and consider the effectiveness of a four-day work week.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Workaholism and Overworking
Workaholism, defined as working excessively and compulsively, is not linked to greater productivity. Long hours and constant work can lead to burnout and decreased performance. The pandemic has exacerbated patterns of overwork, with remote work blurring the boundaries between personal and professional life. Organizations that foster a workaholic culture suffer from decreased team dynamics and productivity. Reward systems should focus on output and results rather than hours worked. The four-day work week has been successful in increasing employee satisfaction and reducing turnover while maintaining productivity.
Signs of a Workaholic Culture
Artifacts such as socialization practices and reward systems can indicate an organization's workaholic culture. Stories, slogans, and legends that glorify long hours and constant availability demonstrate this culture. Leaders who do not practice work-life balance themselves and expect immediate responses from their employees perpetuate the culture. Pushback from HR or supervisors can be addressed through data-driven evidence and demonstrating the positive impact of changes.
Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance
Implementing speed bumps, such as scheduling email delivery or introducing downtime policies, can help individuals and teams recognize and combat workaholic behaviors. Leaders can change reward systems to focus on outcomes, not hours worked. The four-day work week, where employees work smarter in fewer hours, has been proven to increase satisfaction, work-life balance, and even profitability. Overcoming the inertia of overwork requires a shift in mindset and embracing the potential of reduced work hours for increased productivity.
Organizations regularly reward devoted workers who put in long hours. At the same time, “always-on” communication spurred by the pandemic and new digital tools encourage workaholism. But research shows that it’s not just individuals who are harmed by overworking. Their employers are, too. Malissa Clark, associate professor and head of the Healthy Work Lab at the University of Georgia, explains how companies unwittingly create a workaholic culture — one that ultimately backfires with higher turnover and disengaged employees. She shares what companies can easily do to change that. Clark wrote the new book Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business--and How to Fix It.
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