There’s absolutely nothing wrong with bustin’ your butt at work. We’re all about the #girlboss hustle and finding your passion in your career. But there comes a point when all that intensity, paired with zero work-life balance, is actually a deterrent to your success and well-being, rather than an asset (we’re looking at you, millennials who work SUPER long hours). Workaholism is a real thing and can both come with some big consequences (hello, stress) and, researchers now believe, can be caused by some more serious non work-related issues. A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE shows that workaholics are significantly more likely to have mental health issues.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and Yale University, screened 16,426 working adults for both workaholism and psychological disorders.
To diagnose workaholics, the researchers used seven criteria like: “You think of how you can free up more time for work,” and “You become stressed if you are prohibited from working,” and asked participants to rate themselves on a scaled system. In line with previous studies, 7.8 percent of the participants qualified as workaholics. Then, researchers examined the possible links between workaholism and psychological disorders. We’re pretty shocked by their findings.
Results showed that workaholics have a way higher rate of psychological disorders like ADHD, depression, anxiety and OCD. Just look at the stark contrast between workaholics and non-workaholics:
- 32.7 percent of the workaholics met ADHD criteria, compared to 12.7 percent of non-workaholics
- 25.6 percent of workaholics met OCD criteria, while only 8.7 percent of non-workaholics shared those symptoms
- 33.8 percent of workaholics also met anxiety criteria, compared to 11.9 percent of non-workaholics
- 8.9 percent of workaholics met depression criteria, while only 2.6 percent of non-workaholics did
While these findings are helpful in identifying psychological issues within a certain demographic, the causation is still unclear. “Taking work to the extreme may be a sign of deeper psychological or emotional issues. Whether this reflects overlapping genetic vulnerabilities, disorders leading to workaholism or, conversely, workaholism causing such disorders, remains uncertain,” says lead researcher and psychologist Cecilie Schou Andreassen.
One thing’s for sure: If you’re overworking to the point that you’re constantly missing out on social events or other things you generally enjoy, you may want to ask yourself if you’re just hustlin’, or if there are some emotional factors at play.
Looking for ways to de-stress at work? Check us out on Pinterest!
(Photo via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.