How Workaholics Can Be Healthy!

If you’re an entrepreneurial leader, if you are like most of us, you work long and hard and friends or family may have accused you of being a workaholic. Contrary to generally accepted beliefs about work research indicates that what one might call workaholism for some people is actually healthy (I’m so happy to be able to justify my long hours and not have to attend workaholics anonymous)! Researchers in this study evaluated two groups of employees, both of which worked many extra hours. Researchers labeled one group the workaholics. Employees in this group worked long hours but were disengaged and disliked their work. Researchers labeled the other group the long-hours group. Its members also worked long hours but were engaged and enjoyed their work. For some of us, we even love our work!

Methods. Researchers evaluated 763 employees using biomarkers that indicate health risks such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.

Results. To my surprise and delight, the long-hours group had decreased health risks, but, unfortunately, the workaholic group had increased health risks. Additionally, the workaholic group experienced a reduction in subjective well-being (e.g., depressive feelings and sleep problems). The long-hours group did not.

The Japanese have traditionally been known for working many extra hours and were usually expected to do so. However, they’re now being more conscious of the potential detrimental effects of the extra hours and have created the word karoshi, which means “death from overwork.” This seems to apply to the true workaholic.

Think about your situation. Do you work long hours? If you do, does your work generally bring you joy and satisfaction or are you unhappy and disengaged in your work? The answer could greatly determine your health!”