“Workaholic vs. Hard Worker” - What’s the Difference?
Are you a hard-worker or are you a workaholic?
You have probably heard about the term ‘workaholic’ right? We use it to describe someone who is obsessed about their job. The difference with a ‘hard worker’, is that a workaholic will put their work first before their own health. They constantly check their mail, answer phone calls and bring their work at home, oftentimes at the detriment of their relationship with loved ones and friends. Workaholics are seen as hard-working personalities with a good reputation. This is because society doesn’t differentiate between ‘workaholics' and ‘hard workers', and these terms are mistakenly used synonymously.
While workaholism and productive hard work look similar from the outside, they are very different. A hard worker usually works in a healthy way, often enjoys their work, feels passionate about it and is able to find a good work-life balance despite being able to get a great deal of work done. In contrast, a workaholic will work hard in unhealthy ways that put work above all else, they can’t switch off and constantly think and worry about work. Although the term 'workaholism' is not a classified diagnosis, it is a behaviour that can be regarded as an addiction that requires a particular treatment. According to a study carried out in 2015, published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, workaholics were found to experience psychological, social and physical health issues as a result of their work addiction with high risk of depression, burnout, poor health, family and relationship issues and overall decreased life satisfaction.
The drive to keep working can lead to a self-perpetuating downward spiral. The more workaholics work, the more they experience negative health consequences such as fatigue and a poor immune system, which creates more stress such as anxiety, depression, burnout, which in turn leads to a complete decrease in productivity. Less productivity means longer hours at work. While workaholics don't derive joy from working, they grow especially miserable when they can't work.
How to identify whether you are a productive hard worker or a workaholic:
☐ Workaholic
You live to work at the expense of her personal life and health.
You have a continuous urge to prove yourself and that you are the best.
You feel burned out everyday.
You don't delegate and never say ‘no’.
You don't know where or when to stop and additional hours make them feel rewarded.
☐ Hard worker
You work to make a living.
You are passionate, understand work and life balance.
You strive to do the best.
You strategically reduce work to avoid burnout.
You delegate effectively.
You can stop when a task is done and finish work on time.
Although work is a necessary part of our lives, we can learn to find balance.
If you relate with this blog and that of displaying the characteristics of a ‘workaholic’, reaching out for support will be the first step to giving yourself a chance to change. Speaking with a professional, even online is an effective option.
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