Are you working too hard?

Do you identify as a workaholic?

Overworking was definitely seen as a badge of honour in some places I've worked – 'first in, last out' was equated with competence and dedication. If you look around social media these days, you'll find examples of the glorification of 'hustle culture' or CEOs rewarding those who work 'hardcore' over those who dare to put boundaries between their work and personal lives.

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Lately what I've noticed more though, is the increasing volume of conversations about work-life balance and the right to switch off, and a rejection of the notion that being seen as a workaholic will set you on the path to success.?

In this edition of the Get Hired Europe newsletter, we talk to career and work-life experts about workaholism – what it is, what drives it and how to combat it.?

Workaholism is more than just a strong work ethic; it’s a compulsive desire to work that can negatively impact a person's health, relationships and overall wellbeing. It's often viewed as a prerequisite for success and, as a consequence, can be extremely difficult to break free from – even when given the opportunity to do so.?

"The portmanteau workaholic combines 'work' and 'alcoholic', highlighting the addiction aspect," says Julie O'Sullivan, an organisational psychologist. "We can get hooked on the adrenaline from meeting targets or deadlines. We can become addicted to validation and the feeling of being needed."

It is a "silent killer" and a "relentless force", which has the power to erode the lives of countless professionals, says career transition coach Risto M Koskinen. "This constant need to push beyond healthy limits is not just a habit – it's a dangerous addiction," he says.

Workaholism is a "modern-day plague" and it's turning us into "productivity zombies", writes Beata Young, founder of Women On IT. More than clocking up endless hours, it is "that insidious voice in your head telling you you're never doing enough, even when you're on vacation. It's the dread of disconnecting because you're addicted to the dopamine hit of crossing things off your to-do list".

In a world that often glamorises overwork and productivity at all costs, workaholic behaviour is not only tolerated, but accepted, says Koskinen. It lurks behind perfectionism and low self-esteem, driving people to exhaustion in the pursuit of impossible goals. "Add to this the toxic environments in many workplaces that equate long hours with loyalty and competence, and you've got a perfect prescription for workaholic behaviour," says Koskinen.

While workplace culture can encourage it, there may also be intrinsic factors causing a person to act this way, writes Christina Ioannidou, a people and culture director. For example, it can be a need to exert control over every situation – often rooted in a lack of confidence – that may result in "micromanagement and an inability to delegate tasks".?

Another contributing factor is emotional avoidance, whereby work is a means of escape from the difficult things in a person's life, becoming "a distraction or a way to fill a void", says Ioannidou. It may also be a case of social conditioning, she adds. If you grew up with role models who were workaholics, it can normalise this behaviour for you.

Smartphones, laptops and other "always-on" digital tools can exacerbate the situation. Staying connected to work has never been easier, and while that has many positive implications in the remote and hybrid era, it can seriously blur the lines between work and personal time. Without clear boundaries, employees may find themselves putting in longer hours and engaging in workaholic behaviours in an attempt to stay ahead in a competitive environment.?

Founder Sabrina Chevannes admits that as an entrepreneur she finds it very difficult to mentally switch off from work and is "always thinking of new business ideas". What this means is her brain never gets a rest, which is counterproductive when it leads to poor decision-making, reduced creativity and increased stress levels.

"Lately, I’ve realised I need to change," writes Chevannes. "This is not a sustainable lifestyle and the breaks I take will actually aid cognitive function and make me more productive in the long run."

Scheduling breaks into her calendar, treating wellness time as a non-negotiable and indulging in her love of poker have all helped her rebalance.

"We need to redefine success," says Young. "It's not about how much you grind, but how much you live. It's about creating a life that's rich, fulfilling, and doesn't revolve around your job title."

Her advice is to ditch hustle culture and prioritise wellbeing over productivity, because "a well-rested, happy you is a more effective you". Reclaim your time by setting boundaries and actively unplugging to "recharge, and explore the world beyond your cubicle", she adds.

For workaholics, it's about more than simply resisting the urge to work long hours or check your email while on vacation. According to Harvard Business Review, unlike people who tend to spend too many hours at their desk, workaholics struggle to psychologically detach from work. That ongoing rumination often goes together with stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems, impeding recovery from work and increasing wear and tear on the body.

For such individuals, Koskinen says one answer may lie in therapeutic treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). He believes it can be a "game-changer" for workaholics, enabling a person to "break free from unhealthy thought patterns and work behaviours".?

Even the smartest people can trick themselves into thinking things are fine when they absolutely are not, says burnout and wellbeing author Sally Clarke. She believes working with an independently trained professional, such as a coach or therapist, can help when it comes to "retaining a healthy, objective perspective".

Clarke also recommends implementing the BRNT model: breathe, rest, nourish, talk. This can be of huge benefit in "ensuring you stay attuned to the signals from body, mind and soul so you retain the perspective you need to make healthy decisions".?

It's also important that workaholism is recognised for what it is – a societal issue, not just a personal one that workers must tackle alone. The onus is on organisations to actively promote work-life balance among staff with policies such as flexible hours and remote work, says Koskinen.

"Leaders must be educated to recognise and dismantle workaholism, fostering a culture that values wellbeing alongside productivity."

Organisations need to embrace the philosophy of slowing down to speed up, says O'Sullivan. More hours do not equate to more output and sustainable performance and employee check-ins are crucial.

"If you depend on your employees' brains to make your business successful, then give them the time and space to think, rather than creating urgency and pressure that stifles their creativity and drains their energy."

What are your thoughts on workaholism? Have you experienced it or seen it in your workplace? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.

Want to learn about leveraging the connection between wellbeing and productivity? Try this free LinkedIn Learning course by Arianna Huffington and Joey Hubbard of Thrive Global, as they discuss how wellbeing can contribute to your productivity and success at work.

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