Every employee aspires to fulfill the functions and goals assigned to him in his work, but the situation is complicated when he finds in his trade his only concern and satisfaction.
This is one of the symptoms of the workaholic’o workaholic, since he works -involuntarily- without rest, because for him it will always take a little more effort and better results.
What does a person with this disorder think about?
According to Iris Luna, M.D., a psychiatrist at the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín, these people “feel an exaggerated need to be working and the moment they cannot continue doing it, they may feel anxiety, depression or irritability.”
“It is a disorder where there is a compulsive and involuntary attitude to continue working. They live isolated and abducted to achieve excellent performance, since this is what gives them greater satisfaction; They tend to be perfectionists and demanding with others, to the point of not being able to feed back or learn from the people around them or who are not linked to work,
What is the profile of a workaholic like?
For them, work is the center of their livesand they tend to put aside other activities with family or friends. Some common behaviors of workaholics:
- They take work for the house
- During holidays they do not usually rest
- Stay connected to work during weekends
- When there is no internet connection you can despair
A ‘worker’ usually talks and exposes work issues all the time, does not give space to othertypes of conversations and often finds other types of topics boring. This is where relationships with their acquaintances are most affected and isolated, because in “leisure time they move away from meetings with family or friends, they are disconnected and do not pay attention to talks that are not strictly work,” says Luna.
At work it usually stands out for being that person who does everything possible to perform at his best, works more than the stipulated hours, is obsessed with increasing achievements and successes, and is unable to reject projects or clients, even if it involves sacrificing his rest or free time.
The obsession with work could become widespread in the 20th century
According to the expert consulted, this disorder may have a cultural origin. It is possible that this trend is due to the importance of work and high productivity after the Industrial Revolution, when society begins to “designate a high value to prestige, position and high work performance,” says Luna.
The consequences of not stopping and resting
Although employers may be satisfied with these types of employees for their good results, families are the ones who suffer the most. “Workaholics neglect their health, since they do not eat well, overdo it with coffee, do not exercise and can opt forcigarettes, alcohol or stimulants such as cocaine,” says Luna.
In addition, there are other problems such as hair loss, altered blood pressure, gastric problems and insomnia.
How to treat this ‘addiction’?
“Many of these people need psychological treatment and other times, psychiatric treatment; the common thing is that they come to the consultations because of the consequences that this way of relating to work has brought, such as sleep disorders, depression or anxiety, “says Luna.
If you think you are a workaholic or know someone with this profile, the invitation is to reevaluate the priorities in your life, do not forget your family, friends or partner. You must relate in a healthier way to your work and not emotionally depend on it; Although necessary, you may be losing relationships and valuable time with loved ones.