What causes and perpetuates workaholism?

In the fast-paced world we navigate today, the phenomenon of workaholism has become a prevalent concern, affecting individuals across various professions. 

It's more than just a robust work ethic; it often manifests as a compulsive need to immerse oneself in work, sometimes to the detriment of personal well-being. We delved into this topic by consulting five experts in the fields of psychiatry, mental health counselling, addiction counseling, and organizational psychology to unravel the primary causes behind workaholism. 

In this exploration, we aim to shed light on the diverse factors that contribute to the development of this often-overlooked addiction:

• Organizational Rewards Fuel Addiction

• Dopamine Deficits and Work

• Work as a Facade for Incompetence

• Escaping Trauma Through Work

• Multifaceted Causes of Work Addiction
  
  

5 Primary Causes of Workaholism 

Here is what 5 thought leaders have to say.

1. Organizational Rewards Fuel Addiction

Workaholism, in its broadest sense, refers to the willful investment of excessive amounts of time in work-related activities, a compulsive need to work to the point that the individual develops an irresistible tolerance for their work, which, in effect, negatively impacts the individual's social, family, and other essentials in their personal life. 

One of the significant causes of workaholism is an organizational culture that encourages and rewards this behaviour with promotions, career advancement opportunities, and acknowledgment.

Lucy Paynter, Mental Health Counselor, Stoney Brook Counseling Ctr

2. Dopamine Deficits and Work

Addictions have a biological root, where dopamine is overstimulated and leaves the individual in a dopamine deficit state, seeking out the next dopamine hit to return to, or exceed, baseline dopamine levels. 

In the case of work addiction, the individual is likely seeking out that continual dopaminergic reward. Consider the situation where someone may not be happy with their home life, and work is a way for them to pour themselves deeper into something outside of themselves. 

Addiction can also be viewed as filling a "hole" or "void" where someone is not content to sit with themselves and their thoughts, and work is just another way to fill that void and avoid facing oneself.

Cole Butler, Mental Health and Addiction Counselor, Inner Life Adventures

3. Work as a Facade for Incompetence

Workaholism, or work addiction, can be influenced by various factors, and one contributing factor is a sense of incompetence. 

When individuals feel they are not good enough or struggle to express and acknowledge personal challenges, they may turn to workaholism as a means of finding a sense of belonging and acceptance. 

The intense focus on work can serve as a way to compensate for perceived shortcomings and create a facade of accomplishment and validation.

Priya Gupta, Organisational Psychologist

4. Escaping Trauma Through Work

Escaping unresolved trauma is one of the main reasons why a person may choose to be overly focused on their work at unhealthy levels. In psychiatry, workaholism might be qualified as "sublimation"—a defense mechanism wherein a person channels their anxieties and urges into a productive outlet. Initially, this may seem beneficial. However, it can be detrimental to one's health if workaholism leads to bodily stress. 

For example, it's common for patients dealing with grief to "shut" their emotions down by overworking. I always advise them that repressing emotions of sadness and loss through work never pans out well because one should go through it in order to process it. "Overworking" through loss and grief causes more damage than good—you're not processing your emotions, and you're also hurting your body through fatigue and chronic stress.

Eric Chaghouri, Psychiatrist and Medical Director, Lucid Wellness Center

5. Multifaceted Causes of Work Addiction

Workaholism, or work addiction, is often caused by a combination of factors such as personality traits, childhood experiences, psychological factors, work culture, societal expectations, technology, globalization, and the association of professional identity with self-worth. Seeking professional help is essential for individuals struggling with work addiction to ensure their well-being.

Adam Zagha, Owner, Numa Recovery Centers

Moving past workaholism

So, after talking to these experts, we've learned that workaholism isn't just one thing—some folks use work to handle difficult memories, while others might be chasing a dopamine release in their brains. How workplaces operate and reward these workaholic behaviours can also play a key role in perpetuating it. As does how people use work to cover up their insecurities or avoid moving through difficult emotions. 

Understanding these reasons is the first step to having a healthier connection with work. It's crucial to find a balance and, if things get tricky, getting help from professionals can make a big difference.

If you're feeling overwhelmed and want support to balance different parts of your life, consider reaching out to a therapist or coach. A therapist can help you connect to the root of your workaholic behaviours, while a coach like myself can support you in creating and staying accountable to a healthier approach to work.

Remember, you don't have to figure it all out on your own—support is available to heal through workaholism.