Are women more prone to work addiction?
As the new year begins, many of us approach it with all sorts of refreshed goals, affirmations, and new promises to do better, work harder – and generally have a great year ahead.
For most, work goals are top of mind. As everyone gets into hustle mode, work addiction – especially for women who aim to juggle it all – can become a problematic factor.
Burnout, stress, and health problems
People who are considered workaholics tend to have worse moods than others, even when doing what they are passionate about – their work. This comes from a study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology which likens workaholism to addictions like gambling or alcoholism.
The research suggests that the negative moods in workaholics may point to higher stress levels, increasing their risk of burnout and health problems.
As workaholics are often in influential positions, their negative mood can start to affect colleagues – an unpleasant domino effect that can quickly turn a pleasant environment into a toxic workplace…
The study challenges the notion that workaholics find pleasure in their work. It suggests instead that the initial enjoyment quickly turns into a negative emotional state, similar to other addictions.
Analysing 139 full-time workers primarily engaged in back-office activities, the study found that workaholics consistently maintained a worse mood throughout the day, a common feature in addiction.
The study also noted gender differences, with women experiencing a more noticeable link between work addiction and negative mood. This may result from increased conflicts between women's internal drive to over-invest in work and external gender expectations.
Why are women prone to work addiction?
The study hints that women might be more likely to become workaholics because they face a clash of roles. This clash happens when women feel a strong internal drive to invest a lot in their work, but at the same time, they're dealing with external pressures linked to traditional gender expectations.
So, societal expectations and internal motivations may make women more prone to getting caught up in excessive work. Remember, this doesn't apply to all women, as everyone's experiences are different.
Perfectionism is also a bugbear. Women, especially those in leadership roles, may feel compelled to uphold high standards and strive for perfection, even at the expense of their own health. This perfectionist mindset can contribute to an overemphasis on work, leading to addictive behaviour.
A healthier outlook
- Set and stick to clear boundaries between work and your personal life. Allocate specific times for work-related activities and then switch off. Take the time to invest in things that you enjoy, even if that’s just curling up for a marathon movie session.
- Make self-care a priority. This includes getting enough sleep, regular exercise and plenty of breaks to recharge. How many times a week do you eat lunch at your desk? If the answer is all the time – you need to rethink your priorities. Taking care of personal wellbeing is non-negotiable for preventing burnout.
- There’s nothing wrong with some late nights or even working on weekends, within reason. Learn how to improve your time management skills to increase your productivity during working hours. This can help reduce the temptation to overwork and create a more balanced schedule.
- Communicate openly with your colleagues, supervisors and family members about workload expectations. Setting realistic expectations and asking for help when you need it can alleviate the pressure to overwork.
- If you are finding yourself obsessed with work and unable or even unwilling to switch off, it’s time for some support from a mental health professional. Counselling and therapy can provide strategies to manage stress and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Encourage workplace initiatives that prioritise employee wellbeing, such as flexible working hours, mental health resources and stress management programmes.
Getting to a healthy space where your work-life balance makes sense will take some time and effort. It’s a personal journey, so be mindful of your personal needs, examine the “whys” behind your goals, and always keep your wellbeing at the forefront.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.