While workaholics report having great job satisfaction and creativity, they also experiences high levels of frustration and exhaustion, according to a study by Florida State University.
When it comes to taking time off from work, 60 percent workaholics say they feel guilty. Not surprisingly, workaholics also believe they put forth more effort than other employees, but they are more open to helping others, as well.
"We found that there is an optimal level of workaholism for job effectiveness and positive health," said Wayne Hochwarter, the Jim Moran Professor of Business Administration in Florida State's College of Business. "However, when in excessively low or high ranges, both the company and the employee are likely to suffer."
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The study divided workaholics into those who had access to resources, such as personnel, rest, equipment and social support at work, and those who did not. And it made a difference.
"We discovered that workaholics really struggle when they feel that they are alone or swimming upstream without a paddle," Hochwarter said.
In fact, when workaholics have access to resources, they report a 40 percent higher rate of job satisfaction, 33 percent lower rate of burnout, 30 percent higher rate of perceived job importance and 30 percent lower rate of exclusion from others. Workaholics also have a 25 percent higher rate of career fulfillment and 20 percent lower rate of work frustration.
"Given the volatility in today's work environment, the ability to work hard, contribute long hours and demonstrate value is at a premium," Herrera said. "Thus, workaholism will likely remain alive and well for years to come."
To help workaholics find the right balance, the study recommends that workplace leaders ask them what physical and social resources they might need. Typically, managers assume workaholics want to take on issues themselves, but their overall goal is really to contribute to the organization, find personal success and help impact the bottom line.
Managers should also have realistic expectations, the researchers say. Workaholics tend to be the most productive and can be overworked when critical projects and deadlines come into play. When this happens, workaholics never get a chance to recharge from heavy workloads.
"Having realistic expectations that take into account both the work and the person doing the work is essential," Hochwarter said. "The warning signs of burnout are recognizable, and, if ignored, they will eventually lead to unwanted outcomes ranging from declining performance to death."
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