Getting addicted to work

With cut throat competition and fear of being laid off in the wake of the global economic meltdown, employees are working day in and day out. This trend, popularly known as workaholism is applauded by most employers. It is considered to be one of the healthiest of all addictions. But what most people fail to realize is that in the pursuit of pleasing their employers and working round the clock they put their personal life and health in jeopardy.

Other reasons that lead a person to overwork include the desire to gain social prestige or inability to finish the work in time due to ineffective time management or being over ambitious.Recent research indicates that working for a reasonable amount of time results in greater productivity than overworking does. A BPO employee points out, “Working for longer hours or over weekends does not necessarily mean you will be a champion. You should learn to prioritize your work and finish it within working hours. If you bring work home day after day it will result in disturbances in your family life. It will also lead to physical disorders like headache, insomnia, eye strain or even breathlessness”

You have to first acknowledge the fact that you have turned to a workaholic. This group of individuals place work above everything else. They do not participate in social functions and have no regrets for it either. They are always busy with their laptops be it during lunch or when communicating with spouse or kids. Basically, the home becomes an extension of the workplace for them.

A counselor puts forward some points to cope with workaholism. She says, “The first and foremost thing is that you should set realistic goals for yourself. Learn to draw a line between your personal and professional lives. Pursue some hobby, catch up with your friends at least over the weekend or go out for a dinner with your spouse and kids once is a while. You can even plan for a holiday every three to four months. Practice yoga, eat healthy and drink plenty of water. If you feel that it is beyond your limit, then do not hesitate to communicate it to your supervisor. While working in front of the computer you can close your eyes for short periods in frequent intervals. You can also take some time off to catch up with your colleagues. In fact these short breaks will help you get rid of your stress and improve your performance drastically.”

It is well known that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Remember achieving success at the workplace is definitely important but not at the cost of your personal life and health. So just relax yourself and lead a balanced life.

- Ranjita Chattopadhyay (views expressed in the article are that of the author)