The dark side of relentless work: Workaholics’ negative moods and their ripple effect in the workplace
Washington, D.C.: The moods of workaholics are often more negative than those of others, even when they are engrossed in their most passionate pursuit: their work. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology sheds light on this phenomenon, highlighting the potential risks and ripple effects of workaholism in the workplace.
Led by Professor Cristian Balducci from the University of Bologna, the study aimed to explore the emotional state of workaholics and its impact on their well-being and interactions with colleagues. The research team collaborated with Dr Luca Menghini from the University of Trento and Prof Paola Spagnoli from the University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’.
Work addiction, a well-known phenomenon, involves individuals working excessively and compulsively, negatively impacting their health, psychological well-being, and relationships with family and friends. While previous studies have acknowledged the sense of unwellness experienced by workaholics, there have been conflicting assumptions about their emotional state while at work.
To delve into this topic, the study involved 139 full-time workers primarily engaged in back-office activities. Participants’ work dependency levels were assessed using a psychological test, and their mood and perception of workload were analyzed using the experience sampling method. An app installed on their phones allowed them to send short questionnaires approximately every 90 minutes from 9 am to 6 pm over three working days.
The results revealed that workaholics tend to display a more negative mood compared to their non-workaholic counterparts. This challenges the assumption that workaholics derive more pleasure from their work, indicating that the initial euphoria experienced eventually gives way to a persistently negative emotional state during work.
Furthermore, the study found that workaholics consistently maintained a negative mood throughout the day, with no significant variations tied to the passage of time or workload fluctuations. This emotional flattening, often observed in other types of addiction, suggests a diminished reactivity to external stimuli, potentially stemming from the workaholic’s inability to moderate work investment.
Interestingly, the research also highlighted gender differences, with women exhibiting a stronger correlation between work addiction and negative moods. This indicates that women may be more vulnerable to workaholism, possibly due to increased role conflict between internal tendencies to over-invest in work and societal expectations.
The study emphasizes the dangers of workaholism, which can adversely impact relationships, physical health, and psychological well-being. The risk of overwork illnesses leading to death from overwork is a serious concern. Professor Balducci stresses the importance of organizations discouraging a culture that normalizes working outside regular hours. Instead, fostering an environment that discourages excessive work investment and promotes disconnection policies, specific training activities, and counseling interventions is crucial.
The study, titled Uncovering the Main and Interacting Impact of Workaholism on Momentary Hedonic Tone at Work: An Experience Sampling Approach, provides valuable insights into the emotional experiences of workaholics. It serves as a call to action for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a healthier work-life balance, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the overall workplace dynamics.
In conclusion, workaholism’s negative impact on moods and its potential ripple effect in the workplace is a matter worthy of attention. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective interventions, organizations can foster a more positive and thriving work environment for all employees.
