“Danger of Workaholism and Its Unhealthy Impact: Study Reveals Workaholics Report Feeling Unwell Even While Working, Linked to Elevated Stress and a Higher Risk of Death (Photo)
A recent study sheds light on the dangers of workaholism, a behavioral pattern where individuals excessively prioritize work, often at the expense of their health, relationships, and leisure. The findings suggest that workaholics report feeling unwell even when working, and this could lead to severe consequences and an increased risk of death. Cristian Balducci of the University of Bologna highlights the negative mood observed in workaholics, associated with heightened stress levels, burnout, and cardiovascular issues.
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, involved 139 full-time workers primarily engaged in back-office operations. The research found that workaholics reported being in a worse mood than their peers, and they do not derive more pleasure from their profession, regardless of their workload. This emotional dulling could be attributed to challenges in moderating work commitment and leads to a significant reduction in disconnection and recovery experiences, leading to a negative affective tone.
The study also revealed that the connection between work addiction and negative mood was more pronounced in women than in men, suggesting a heightened susceptibility of women to workaholism. External pressures influenced by gender expectations further compound the situation for workaholic women.
To address this issue, businesses are urged to actively discourage the normalization of working beyond regular hours and on weekends and implement disconnection policies, training activities, and counseling options for individuals who find it challenging to adhere to these guidelines. The researchers also issued a warning about the potential escalation of “overwork illnesses” to the point of mortality if left untreated.
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