Workaholic Signs, Effects and Intervention
Check for the signs
It is one thing to love your job, but it’s another to let your employment dictate your life. Just like an addiction, many individuals fail to see that they are true workaholics. Be on the lookout for these signs:
1. You bring work home
You may not have a time card at home but your family wonders why not! Instead of relaxing and recharging you work at home. Your job follows you even to the bathroom and the bedroom.
2. Can’t delegate tasks
Workaholics can’t (or won’t) delegate tasks. Assigning tasks is as difficult as taking time to rest and relax. They argue that they can do a better job themselves instead of assigning it to someone else.
3. Work is a relaxation technique
Be concerned when you consider analyzing the company’s profit-loss report as your relaxation break. Worse, do you get sick when you are not working? Yes, many workaholics get sick; feel depressed or anxious if they are not on the job. This psychosomatic reaction puts you in the workaholic watch list.
4. Personal life, family and friends take a back seat
When your job drives your every activity and your family and friends take a back seat then you are definitely a candidate for the workaholic award. When you log on to your Facebook account to update clients and work, then you have to really consider getting a life apart from your employment.
Workaholics beware!
1. Watch out for stress
Employment-related stress has become a common and undoubtedly costly concern for the workplace.
A survey conducted by Northwestern National Life shows that 25% of workers identify their job as the cause of their stress. Moreover, according to Princeton Survey Research Associates, 75% of employees believe that there is more work-related stress today compared to a generation ago. In addition, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance co. said that workers point to job-related stressors as cause of their health complaints.
2. Collapse of your social network
This is not about social media going obsolete. Rather this is you shutting yourself out. Personal relationships get strained when it gets less attention. According to a research done by the University of North Carolina, having a workaholic as a spouse doubles the possibility of divorce. In another study, workaholic parents increases the depression and anxiety rates of their children.
Workaholics Anonymous
Workaholics Anonymous is a group of individuals dedicated to help its members to stop working compulsively. No fees or dues are expected from people who want to join the gorup. Click here to know more about Workaholics Anonymous.
How much time do you spend at work?
What to do
1. Establish a concrete boundary between work and personal life
Clearly differentiate your personal life from your job. This way, you get a better view of how you spend your time. Moreover, setting rules regarding your schedule allows you to set aside time for work and for yourself, family and friends.
2. Get a hobby aside from work
Find something else to do other than work-related tasks. You can join groups, clubs and take time outside your office. It would be an excellent idea to find a hobby or activity not involving people from the office. This expands your social network and gives you time away from anything remotely associated with work.
3. Go out with friends and family
Plan a trip with your family and friends. Whatever the activity you plan to do, make sure it is not related to work. During this time, focus on strengthening personal relationships. Go on a vacation with the whole family, have a regular date night with your spouse, schedule a monthly bonding with the kids, organize a class reunion, the choices are endless!
4. Don’t talk about work
Refrain from talking about work. Get your mind off the office-related concerns. There is more to life than work. Talk about life, religion, politics, or the next American Idol. Just make an effort to redirect your focus away from work.
Workaholism is a serious concern. Many fail to realize that they have this problem. Remember that you have a life outside of work that is equally (or even more) important. Employment is just one part of life. It should not dictate everything that you do.
