Workaholism: Are You Just Busy, or Truly a Workaholic?

In today’s world, various forms of behavioral addictions are emerging, and among them, workaholism is an unhealthy and unnecessary behavioral tendency.

In the modern competitive world, focusing on work is important. But a workaholic is someone excessively addicted to work. They compulsively and excessively engage in work, unable to take a break, which severely harms their physical and mental health as well as their personal relationships. Just as an alcoholic becomes dependent on alcohol, a workaholic views work as the sole purpose of life. They continue working relentlessly, ignoring the damage to their health and relationships. This is usually expressed through extreme responsibility toward work, perfectionism, and avoidance of leisure or relaxation.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that in countries like Indonesia and Korea, workaholic culture is highly noticeable. In Korea, about 39.7% of employees could be classified as workaholics. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, working hours, and the voluntary nature of employment influence this (Kang, 2020). In Indonesia, the “hustle culture,” or workaholism, is gradually increasing, especially among the millennial generation. High expectations for success and the representation of prosperous young lives on social media are the driving forces behind this culture. According to ASEAN Briefing, the standard workweek in Indonesia is around 40 hours, but for many workers based in Jakarta, the reality is more demanding.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data from 2022, employees in Japan, South Korea, and Mexico work over 2,000 hours per year on average, which is higher than in many other countries. Meanwhile, in countries like Germany, the average annual working hours are much lower, at just 1,340 hours. Additionally, according to the American Heart Association, among workaholics, those who work long hours have a 70% higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

How to recognize if you are a workaholic?

• Do you feel busy all the time? 
• When you’re not working, do you get restless? 

If so, you might have workaholic tendencies. Workaholism is not a matter of pride; it is a form of mental stress that can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Here are five simple questions to help you discover whether you’re hardworking or truly a workaholic:

Here are five easy questions to help you decide if you are a workaholic or genuinely diligent:

1. Are you really  busy… or just disorganized?

Some people are genuinely busy, but often we burden ourselves unnecessarily due to poor time management. Even though a workaholic is usually consumed with completing tasks, does this result in greater production or is it just unnecessary busyness?

In Bangladesh, many workers remain busy, but not all busyness leads to increased productivity. Poor time management often results in taking on more pressure than necessary, which can reduce efficiency.

2. Do you delegate… or hold on to everything yourself?

Sharing responsibilities is crucial in a healthy work environment. But workaholics believe that delegating work will lower its quality. As a result, they try to do everything themselves, which increases mental stress and gradually reduces performance.

Currently, many workers and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh feel that delegating responsibilities may reduce work quality. This tendency is especially common among corporate professionals and entrepreneurs. However, research shows that not delegating work increases stress and decreases long-term productivity.

3. Are you truly enthusiastic… or drowning in work pressure?

Some people enjoy taking on new challenges, but workaholics often overcommit without understanding their limits. Over time, this leads to mental and physical exhaustion.

In Bangladesh’s work culture, embracing new opportunities and challenges is common. However, many workers and entrepreneurs take on excessive work without considering their limits. This leads to burnout, stress, and health risks, particularly among corporate employees, banking sector workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. To address this, many organizations are now adopting corporate mental health programs to reduce stress and improve employee well-being.

4. Do you have real friends… or only competitors?

Workaholics often fail to build relationships outside work. Gradually, their friendly relationships decrease, leaving only competitors or colleagues around them. Isolation may result from this, which is detrimental to mental health.

Due to increasing professional competition, workers are lagging in maintaining personal relationships. Rivalries at work are so fierce that many people are restricted to professional networks solely, which is detrimental to their social and mental health.

5. Do you survive while you work, or do you work to live?

This is the most important question for determining workaholism. Along with employment, a healthy person appreciates friends, family, leisure, and personal growth. But for those who are workaholics, work is the only reason to live. This way of thinking eventually throws off the balance of existence. With work pressure increasing day by day, Especially in the corporate, healthcare, and education sectors, many people make work their main life goal, adversely affecting personal relationships and physical and mental health.

Effects of Workaholism

Excessive work addiction can negatively impact physical and mental health, relationships, and professional performance:

1. Physical health effects:

• Fatigue (Burnout): Continuous excessive work causes mental and physical exhaustion.
• Chronic Fatigue: Long-term overwork can deplete energy levels.
• High Blood Pressure: Stress from excessive work can raise blood pressure.
• Heart Disease: Long working hours and stress can lead to heart problems.
• Digestive Problems: Issues like bloating, acidity, stomach pain, and gas.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prolonged sitting can cause muscle or bone problems.

2. Mental health effects:

• Depression: Excessive focus on work can lead to mental fatigue and depression.
• Anxiety: Overwork can trigger stress and anxiety.
• Insomnia: Stress may cause sleep problems.
• Irritability: Anxiety can make the mood irritable.

These symptoms are common among overworked individuals and can be effectively managed through online counseling services, especially for busy professionals who cannot attend in-person sessions. If these issues continue, it is important to consult a licensed psychologist for proper care and support.

3. Relationship effects:

• Strained Relationships: Overwork weakens relationships with family members and may cause marital conflict.
• Isolation: Lack of time with friends or family leads to loneliness.
• Reduced Capacity to Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Excessive work limits time for hobbies or spending time with loved ones.

4. Professional effects:

• Decreased Productivity: Continuous work can reduce focus and efficiency.
• Decreased Creativity: Stress and fatigue hinder innovative thinking.
• Difficulty Working in Teams: Working alone makes collaboration challenging.
• Workplace issues: Refusal to delegate, taking excessive responsibility, and inability to say “no” to requests.

Ways to Overcome Workaholism

Several effective strategies can help overcome workaholism. This is important not only for physical and mental health but also for improving personal relationships and quality of life:

1. Maintain work-life balance:

• Decide on certain work hours and follow them.
• Avoid working outside office hours unless necessary.
• Allocate time for family and friends.

2. Take necessary breaks:

• Take short breaks from work daily.
• Take 5–10 minute breaks every hour to rest the body and mind.
• Avoid prolonged sitting; walk occasionally.

3. Stay away from technology:

• Avoid checking office emails or calls during personal time.
• Reduce mobile or laptop use before sleeping.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to define work boundaries.
  

4. Engage in other activities:

• Pursue hobbies (reading, painting, listening to music, sports).
• Reduce stress through meditation or exercise.
• Spend time in nature or go on trips.

5. Focus on efficiency, not just productivity:

• Prioritize important tasks and eliminate unnecessary ones.
• Avoid multitasking; focus on one task at a time.
• Improve time management skills.

6. Invest in mental health and self-development:

• Seek help from a psychologist or counselor if needed.
• Talk to family or close people and share feelings.
• Be kind to yourself and enhance self-esteem.

Workaholism must be overcome with awareness and patience. A healthy and contented existence in both the personal and professional domains can result from cultivating balanced habits. If you think of yourself as a workaholic, it’s time to make a change.