If you are a work-a-holic, we encourage you to use Work-a-Holic Day to break the habit. Simply take today off.
-Sam, My Paper Box Owner
“Workaholism”
Is a buzzword often used to describe devotion to work in a positive light — by defining themselves as workaholics, people often think they are showcasing their passion for their jobs.
But, we should resist equaling workaholism with having a great work ethic. It is actually a serious problem that can lead to career burnout, or overworking oneself to serious health issues.
Research indicates that workaholism affects between 27% and 30% of the general population today.
What are the main causes of Workaholism?
There are 4 leading causes we associate with workaholism:
- Motivational Causes:
Workaholics don’t work because they enjoy the work — they work because they feel like they should. - Cognitive Causes:
Workaholics find it difficult to stop thinking about work, even when they’re not working. - Emotional Causes:
Workaholics feel anxious and guilty when not working. - Behavioral Causes:
Workaholics have a tendency to work more than their companies expect from them.
How to address workaholism?
- Focusing only on a select set of priority (urgent and important) tasks each day.
- Avoid your biggest stressors as much as possible.
- Limiting emailing only to work hours, unless absolutely necessary.
- Working no more than 40 hours per week, unless absolutely necessary.
- Setting realistic expectations in terms of workload and deadlines.
- Working on balancing your life activities better.
