Chronic overwork and workaholism: underlying mechanisms, warning signs, therapeutic interventions, and preventive strategies
Kacper Nowak
2026-05-19
5 min. read
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Workaholism, frequently regarded as a defining characteristic of today’s productivity-driven society, represents a behavioral addiction in which excessive dedication to professional obligations results in physical and psychological exhaustion. Though often romanticized as a sign of commitment or ambition, this phenomenon carries significant health risks—ranging from chronic stress to depressive disorders. Research indicates that a growing number of individuals exhibit traits of this condition or are at heightened risk of developing it in the near future, making it a critical challenge for contemporary occupational medicine and clinical psychology.
Workers' whims
This term was coined in 1971 by Oates, who referred to a person who has a tremendous need for work, and the fulfillment of this need causes negative health effects, affects happiness, social relationships with other people. Machlowitz refers to this phenomenon somewhat differently, treating it as pleasant, positive and creative.
Workaholicism is the cause
There are many reasons for this. One is the nature of work. People who have to and want to keep improving their qualifications, who are willing or needing to stay in the job market, often work hard to avoid losing it. They spend their free time on courses and training, learning and gaining further skills. Another important issue is the success myth, which is that people who have accomplished a lot, have a well-paid job, have made a career, and make it to meet their own needs are an inspiration to many young people. So they have to work very hard to achieve these goals.
Workaholicism is a symptom
We should be vigilant when we observe in our own homes or in those closest to us such behaviours as notorious conversations restricted to work or taking every day of work home. Spending time off work is also a warning signal, especially if we notice that we can't relax and our thoughts revolve around business matters. As workaholicism is an addiction, it has its traits, namely, a man submits to one activity only and as a result the rest of his duties are neglected.
Workaholicism is a cure
Treatment of addicts is not easy. If a person close to us suffers from workaholicism, it is good to draw attention to too much time spent at work. It is worth pointing out that there are many consequences that are obvious or will only occur. These include insomnia, problems with concentration, stomach ulcers, heart attacks, nerves and anxiety.
Workaholicism is prophylaxis
Prevention is important because it prevents the development of addiction and protects the individual from difficult treatment. This can be avoided by guiding and following a few principles. One of them is to divide the area between work and personal life. It can be that you spend a certain amount of time at work and don't take it home. The principles also apply to using your free time to rest, to pursue your own passions and to take care of mental health.
