Workaholism – what it involves, first symptoms and effective recovery

Nowadays, when the culture of working at high speed is the order of the day, the term ‘workaholism’ is no longer a rarity. Work addiction is a phenomenon that affects more and more people in the labour market. It particularly affects professionals, managers and people in positions of high responsibility. Unfortunately, despite its seemingly positive aspects, such as high productivity and professional success, workaholism has a negative impact on physical and mental health, as well as on broader personal life.

What is workaholism and how to recognise it?

Workaholism is an addiction to work that manifests itself as a constant striving to be productive at the expense of one’s private life, health and relationships with other people. A workaholic is a person for whom work becomes an overriding value, a priority at the expense of other spheres of life. It is characterised by an obsessive need to work, even when it is not necessary. Such a person is often unable to break away from work responsibilities, and the thought of a break makes him or her fearful and anxious.

Recognising workaholism is not always easy, as we live in a culture that values commitment and high productivity. However, it is worth noting some symptoms of workaholism that will help to recognise this unhealthy attachment to work.

Symptoms of workaholism – what is worth looking out for?

Workaholism manifests itself in a variety of ways, but there are a few characteristic symptoms that can be observed in an addict. These include:

• a constant need to work – a workaholic often works after hours, takes responsibilities home and cannot imagine a day without completing work tasks. Even during holidays or days off, he finds it difficult to completely switch off thinking about work,
• ignoring private life – the addict neglects family, friends and passions. Social withdrawal and inactivity outside of these professional activities may also occur,
• lack of rest – the workaholic does not know how to relax and unwind, as they see every free moment as ‘wasted’,
• health problems – too much work without adequate rest often leads to chronic stress, sleep problems, physical exhaustion and psychosomatic complaints such as headaches, muscle tension or weakened immunity,
• feelings of restlessness and frustration outside of work – feeling fulfilled only while performing one’s professional duties. Any interruption, regardless of the circumstances, is associated with psychological discomfort.

Causes of workaholism – where does work addiction come from?

Understanding the causes of workaholism is an important step on the road to change. Among the main factors that contribute to the development of workaholism are:

• cultural pressures – a work culture that glorifies constant activity and commitment contributes to the belief that only full dedication leads to success,
• perfectionism – people with high expectations of themselves often display a tendency towards workaholism,
• fear of being judged – people who fear negative feedback from superiors or co-workers often feel the need to prove their worth through extra effort,
• low self-esteem – a workaholic may use work as a way to boost their self-esteem, seeing professional success as a measure of personal worth,
• personal problems – for some, work becomes an escape from difficulties in their personal lives.

Phases of workaholism – how does a work addiction develop?

Workaholism develops gradually, passing through several characteristic phases. In the first, known as the initial phase, the person derives satisfaction from work and eagerly engages in his or her duties, with professional successes reinforcing his or her motivation. This is followed by a crisis phase – over time, work begins to dominate and the person spends less and less time on their personal life, feeling compelled to work regardless of circumstances.

In the third phase, the dependency phase, the workaholic completely subordinates life to work duties, ignoring his or her own health and relationships with loved ones. Eventually, excessive work leads to job burnout, when the person is no longer able to function at work or derive satisfaction from it.

Impact of workaholism on personal life and health

Workaholism negatively affects all aspects of life. The chronic stress of excessive responsibilities takes a toll on the psyche, often leading to depressive states, anxiety disorders and job burnout. Moreover, such individuals experience neglected relationships with loved ones, lack of interest in family and social isolation. The workaholic may lose interest in his or her own health, resulting in a decline in immunity, cardiovascular problems and chronic fatigue.

How to beat workaholism? Proven methods for regaining balance

Regaining your work-life balance is possible, although it requires systematic self-work and a change in mindset. It is a good idea to set yourself clearly defined working hours, after which you avoid work matters. Regular breaks and rest promote recovery and help maintain balance.

If the problem is advanced, therapeutic support is a good idea. This is especially true for people in whom workaholism has strong psychological roots, lying, for example, in low self-esteem or perfectionism. It is also a good idea to find time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as sports, hobbies or meeting friends.

Support from loved ones and the employer is also very important – open conversations and accepting help can make you realise how important other aspects of your life outside of work are.

Workaholism – a challenge and an opportunity for change

Workaholism is a growing phenomenon with serious consequences for both personal life and health. Early recognition of the symptoms, understanding its causes and effective prevention methods will ensure a healthy work-life balance. Professional success, while important, should not be prioritised at the expense of health and relationships with loved ones. Developing self-awareness and proper time and energy management will help you regain control of your life.