IT'S OK TO BE A WORKAHOLIC

(September, 2017) New research suggests that being a workaholic isn’t all that unhealthy. In the study, employees at an international financial-consulting firm were asked to fill out questionnaires on their work hours, relationships at home and work, as well as their sense of well-being and any stress-related complaints, such as trouble sleeping or headaches. Afterward, the 763 employees took part in medical screenings for risk factors for more serious problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Researchers found no indication that simply working long hours led to stress-related ailments or more serious risk factors, such as high blood pressure. Only workaholics who described themselves as unengaged or feeling trapped in their work appeared at risk for more serious health disorders. Said Lieke ten Brummelhuis, an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business near Vancouver and one of the study’s authors: “Engagement is the key.” Job-loving workaholics appeared healthier because they tended to avail themselves of support on the job and at home when they needed it. Workaholics, she says, should ask themselves why they work so hard. “If it is out of love for the job, go for it. If not, alarm bells need to sound.”
* This study was funded by our boss.
* Would YOU fill out a questionnaire at work saying your job was ruining your life?
* Psychology Today says “Workaholism is a soul-destroying addiction that changes people’s personality and the values they live by,” but who am I to argue with someone named Lieke ten Brummelhuis?
* If she was a Scrabble word she’d be worth like a gabillion points.
* Not to tell tales, but it took that professor 4 years to complete this study.