In every company, there are people who are deeply committed to their work, to achieving their targets and to giving their all every day. That’s not a bad thing at all, as being committed to our jobs is a very positive thing. However, there is a difference between this attitude we’re discussing and an addiction. In this article, we’ll be talking about the a workaholic, or someone who works very hard.
This term is commonly used to describe someone who is very focused on their work, but without realising that it is a psychological condition with a number of consequences. In this post, we aim to break down this term and help HR professionals to spotting workaholics which are found within your company, in order to help them.
Are you interested in this topic? Read on!
What is meant by ‘workaholic’?
A workaholic, or someone who works very hard refers to a principle of addiction. Essentially, it is a psychological state in which a person is fully committed to his work, becoming your top priority. Do you work round the clock without anyone pushing you to do so? Be careful.
The the consequences of being a workaholic or a a person who works very hard There are many, and the fact is that this psychological condition ultimately affects the physical and mental health of those who suffer from it, having a direct impact on their friendships and family relationships. Even so, it is not entirely accurate to call it ‘work addiction’. Why? Let’s explain this in detail.
There is no specific reference to it as such in the diagnostic manuals used in clinical psychology and psychiatry. This means that it is not an addiction in the same way as, for example, alcoholism or gambling. These addictions are very serious and do not usually resolve without professional intervention. On the other hand, the workaholics may cease to be so over time.
How do we recognise a workaholic?
As a general rule, A workaholic displays a number of characteristics which make them recognisable. This information can be very useful to you in your work, but for HR departments it becomes vital. The fact is that someone who works very hard needs a roadmap to help them build a healthy relationship with their job.
So, these are the features through which we can identifying a workaholic:
- He is constantly thinking about work, focusing on his performance.
- He doesn’t take a single afternoon off, as he looks for different ways to work outside of his normal working hours.
- Following on from the previous point, this is someone who puts more hours of those stipulated in the contract.
- He is one of the company’s best employees. This, of course, is one of the results of the hours he puts in at work.
Symptoms of a workaholic
What if I’m the one who suspects I’m suffering from this work addiction? There are ways to spot it, although you’ll first need to carry out a honest and thorough analysis of your behaviour, habits and emotions. If you recognise any of the following points, it’s time to seek help:
- Do you like it? get to the office early and be the last to leave.
- You don’t no rest whatsoever during your working day, even to the point of eating your lunch at your desk.
- When you spend time with people outside of work, You only talk about your job, your bosses, your colleagues or your salary. This is another sign that you’re becoming a workaholic.
- When you’re on holiday, You get irritated and nervous. You can’t escape the daily hustle and bustle of work.
- You prioritise work to personal plans.
- You have physical problems such as exhaustion, constant headaches or gastrointestinal problems.
- You don’t know how to delegate.
- You’re unable to admit that you have a serious problem.
The consequences of being a workaholic
Throughout this article, we have been discussing that Being a workaholic has a number of consequences for your health, both physical and mental – but what consequences are we talking about? Basically, we can summarise them in three points:
- Insomnia: When we maintain a high level of activity, we don’t allow our brain to relax, which leads to insomnia.
- Stress and anxiety: Someone who works very hard may experience stress-related problems, anxiety and even depression, as he will never be satisfied with his performance.
- Obesity and other similar problems: The longer we spend at work, the less we move and the more anxiety we experience. This can lead to uncontrolled eating and a lack of physical exercise.
Educa.Pro, aware of this problem
Educa.Pro It is a platform that helps various companies to manage their employees’ career paths efficiently. And how does it help companies or workaholics? Our subscription includes training courses designed to address this psychological condition. That is why it is so valuable to HR departments.
Are you looking for a platform to train your staff? That’s Educa.Pro!
Don’t hesitate! We’re looking forward to seeing you.
