Celebrating Excessive Work and Avoiding Rest: The Rationale Behind It
Over half of US workers fail to utilize their vacation days due to excessive workloads and the fear of falling behind, according to a Pew Research Center survey. This revelation underscores the growing issue of workaholism, a desirable yet detrimental behavior that drives individuals to prioritize work over personal life and self-care.
This examined behavior often stems from a desire to feel significant and valuable. Yet, it ultimately leads to decreased productivity, burnout, and health risks, such as increased risks of stroke and heart disease. In their book "Why We Glorify Overwork and Refuse to Rest," authors Eric Schwartz and Tony Severinson share their personal struggles with workaholism and offer practical solutions to promote healthier work habits.
To combat compulsive overwork, individuals are encouraged to:
- Acknowledge the signs of overworking: Self-assessment is key to identifying negative work habits. Answer honest questions about mental acuity, energy levels, sleep patterns, mood changes, and potential strain on personal relationships.
- Prioritize sleep and exercise: Balancing effort and rest is essential for optimal productivity. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep and engage in 20-30 minutes of physical activity daily.
- Foster hobbies and relaxation: The pursuit of enjoyable activities serves as a vital distraction from work-related concerns. Develop a schedule to engage in activities that provide genuine disconnection from work.
- Tune into emotional and physical cues: Acknowledge that the body functions best in short bursts of activity followed by periods of rest. Ignoring these signals leads to burnout. Take time to sit with feelings of anxiety and observe their impact, gradually accepting downtime as a necessary part of life.
Workaholism thrives in a culture that equates hard work with success and value. To shift this mindset, corporations must implement programs encouraging rest and renewal, sometimes with challenges. However, change requires self-awareness and a willingness to address the emotional drivers of workaholism.
Eric Schwartz and Tony Severinson propose that addressing burnout and workaholism necessitates a cultural shift in which work is considered a means to achieve desired outcomes, rather than an endless pursuit to avoid negative emotions. By embracing this perspective, individuals and organizations can reframe their approach to work and embark on a healthier, more balanced journey.
References:
Schwartz, T., & Severinson, E. (2023). Why We Glorify Overwork and Refuse to Rest. Harvard Business Review, August 28.
- To mitigate the detrimental effects of workaholism on one's health and wellness, self-assessment is crucial in identifying negative work habits and acknowledging the signs of overworking, such as changes in mental acuity, energy levels, sleep patterns, mood changes, and strain on personal relationships.
- In their pursuit of personal growth and health-and-wellness, individuals should prioritize sleep and exercise by aiming for at least seven hours of sleep nightly and engaging in 20-30 minutes of physical activity each day to promote optimal productivity and overall wellbeing.
- As part of education-and-self-development, it's essential for individuals to foster hobbies and relaxation as a means of disconnecting from work-related concerns, ultimately providing a sense of peace and promoting mental health.
