Volume 17, Number 1 Article by Bonnie Garson March, 2005
Work Addiction in the Age of Information Technology: An Analysis :
Much has been written about work addiction, but little research has been conducted into the phenomenon. This article seeks to activate research by defining work addiction, describing types of workaholics, the cultural and organisational trends relating to work addiction, the potentially detrimental impact of work addiction on the addict, the job, and the family, summarising prescriptions for change, and recommending future research.
Work addiction may have hidden beginnings in economic, cultural, and emotional deprivation in childhood. It may also develop later in life if there is a health crisis and/or interpersonal crisis. The work hard, play hard culture at many companies also breeds workaholism, with the problem being compounded by on-the-job trappings such as company-paid meals and day care centres. Studies indicate that working more may not translate into being more productive. A workaholic environment may create stress and burnout. The potential results of burnout are chronic fatigue, a variety of psychological, medical and behavioural problems, ranging from depression to alcoholism and heart disease. Workaholics may also overuse health insurance, file personal injury lawsuits, or submit numerous stress-related workers' compensation claims.
Although the culture of many organisations continues to support workaholics, change may be on the horizon thanks to some enlightened CEOs, virtual offices and telecommuting. The challenge for leaders is to create an organisational climate that is conducive to productivity without being detrimental to employees and their families. It is recommended that empirical studies be designed to explore work addiction from the standpoint of productivity, creativity, burnout, and healthcare costs. Research also needs to view the employee in the context of the organisation and his or her family.
Reprint No 05101