Danger of Workaholism: Recent Study Reveals Alarming Consequences
A recent study, reported Interesting Engineering, has identified the dangerous consequences of workaholism. Workaholism is defined as an obsession with work that leads to excessive and compulsive preoccupation, often at the expense of other aspects of life, such as health and relationships.
The study, conducted Cristian Balducci and his team at the University of Bologna, involved 139 full-time workers primarily engaged in back-office operations. Using psychological exams and the “experience sampling method,” the researchers found that workaholics reported feeling unwell even while working, leading to negative moods, increased stress levels, and health issues.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that workaholics do not derive more pleasure from their profession, despite their heavy workload. Instead, they sustain a consistently negative mood throughout the day, showing no substantial changes linked to time or workload fluctuations.
The study’s lead author, Luca Menghini, pointed out that this phenomenon may result from workaholics’ challenges in moderating their work commitment, reducing their ability to disconnect and recover from work-related stress.
In addition, the study found notable gender disparities, with women experiencing a greater connection between work addiction and negative mood than men. This heightened susceptibility in women could be linked to role conflict and external pressures influenced gender expectations.
The researchers emphasize the need for businesses to convey clear messages to employees about the dangers of workaholism and to actively discourage the normalization of excessive work hours and weekend work. They suggest implementing disconnection policies, training activities, and counseling options for individuals struggling to adhere to guidelines.
In conclusion, the study issues a grave warning about the potential escalation of “overwork illnesses” to the point of mortality if left untreated, highlighting the urgent need to address the issue of workaholism.