Understanding Workaholism: When Passion for Work Becomes Compulsive and Harmful
A 37-year-old individual shares a revealing insight: "I love my work; there are days when I can work 17 or 18 hours a day. Everything, whether it's family, friends or intimate relationships, exists in the background. But I don't know how to relax and there are days where I feel so exhausted and burnt out and yet can't stop working." This statement vividly captures the essence of workaholism, a condition where dedication to work transforms into an uncontrollable compulsion.
Defining Workaholism and Its Historical Context
What this client describes is known as workaholism. In psychological literature, another term sometimes used is ergomania, which emphasizes the compulsive nature of work and a maladaptive reliance on it. Although the concept has existed for decades, there is no single, universally accepted definition. The term "workaholic" is credited to psychologist Wayne E. Oates, who discussed it in 1971. He defined it as "the compulsion or uncontrollable need to work incessantly." Oates highlighted how this relentless craving for work can severely disrupt an individual's health, overall functioning, and interpersonal relationships.
The Growing Prevalence and Impact of Workaholism
Reflecting on early practice in 2005, a psychotherapist recalls initially seeing mostly male clients with workaholic patterns. Today, an equal number of men and women seek help for this issue. While workaholism is not a formal clinical diagnosis, it significantly affects quality of life and vitality. Clients often come to therapy after loved ones express concerns about their work habits, or when they experience symptoms like sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, persistent fatigue, and intrusive work-related thoughts. Some individuals present later in life, particularly as retirement approaches, worrying about how they will cope without work.
Our culture often reinforces and rewards those who are overly engaged with work, which can hinder people from seeking therapy or recognizing that this behavior is an ineffective coping mechanism.
A Modern Definition from Research
In therapeutic work, a useful definition comes from a 2024 research paper titled "Workaholism: Taking stock and looking forward" by Toon W. Taris and Jan Je Jonge, published in the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behaviour. Based on 50 years of research, the paper defines workaholism as involving:
- High motivation: Being driven to work due to internal pressures.
- High-effort expenditure: Having persistent thoughts about work when not working and working beyond what can reasonably be expected.
This definition helps clients understand their behavior from a perspective that is less about labeling and more about awareness.
Therapeutic Insights and Coping Strategies
From a therapeutic viewpoint, individuals with a vulnerability to workaholism may use an increased focus on work as a defensive strategy when facing personal difficulties. It's easy to fall into the illusion that work is a protective salve, but in reality, it often serves as a defense mechanism to escape overwhelm from personal life. Deeply investing time and energy in work can entrench life around productivity, numbing us from grief or suffering.
When clients exhibit these patterns, therapists encourage them to pause and reflect on what purpose and meaning their work provides. Many clients report that work offers a sense of control, competence, and validation, especially when other areas of life feel unpredictable. Learning to stay with this insight and process a full range of feelings creates space to address workaholic behavior.
The key is to repurpose life by making room for leisure, nurturing relationships, and developing interests beyond work. The goal is not to abandon work but to build a balanced life where work has its place, and identity extends beyond it. This process involves examining the beliefs and unwritten scripts that drive workaholism and being open to reimagining what it means to live fully.
Personal Reflection and Conclusion
Even therapists themselves may lean toward workaholic behavior at times. In such moments, it's crucial to ask: What am I trying to anesthetize from? Sometimes, the answer lies within the question itself, prompting deeper self-awareness.
Sonali Gupta is a Mumbai-based psychotherapist and author.
