Workaholism Can It Be Cured?

Why do people become workaholics? 

Caroline Walker believes childhood experiences often leave a lasting mark. "For many of us, work addiction comes from feeling like you need to be perfect, or you need to please people, or you need to be the best in the class," she explains. 

The need to achieve perfection can also make it difficult to switch off. "If I did anything that wasn't perfect, I would feel deeply ashamed," she says. "This perfectionism would leak into my work. I just had to get that project right, or whatever it was." 

Nick Hatter points out that many overachievers experienced early trauma. He suggests that pushing themselves relentlessly might be a protective mechanism. "The thinking goes: if I work really hard, I'll be safe," he says. 

The line between ambition and addiction can become very blurred. In fact, there are many people who might describe themselves as workaholics but would not consider it to be a negative thing. 

"One of the challenges of defining workaholism is that our society admires people who work hard," Nick Hatter explains. "The workaholic is the hero, the person who's going to save us – whether that's in government or in business." 

Caroline Walker agrees. She says there's a cultural perception that it's a sign of commitment to work long hours. 

"This was especially true with me because I was working as a doctor. People would tell me I was incredibly conscientious and dedicated." 

The distinction is whether people feel they are in control of their work, she says. "Workaholics can feel like there's this monster on their back, and like they have no choice." 

The impact on family and friends 

For those suffering from work addiction, relationships are often the casualties. 

"The impact on my family was pretty horrendous," admits playwright James Graham. "It's impossible to have deep, intimate relationships when you're constantly working." Consequently, he decided to go to Workaholics Anonymous, and his relationships benefited tremendously. 

"It's not just romantic relationships," adds Caroline Walker. "I wouldn't be present for my children. It was like all that mattered was that I got the work done." Similarly, her friendships suffered too. 

Often family and friends don't understand the problem, adds Walker. Work addiction "can seem like they are just working hard, which is something that is celebrated in our society". 

This makes it doubly hard for workaholics to get help. Many of them are highly-paid professionals. "They feel like they've got to keep up appearances as well, which is incredibly isolating," she says. 

A hidden problem 

Work addiction still carries a stigma, believes Nick Hatter. People can be reluctant to come forward to talk about the problem or get help. Furthermore, employers are rarely trained to spot signs of work addiction, he adds. 

"It's difficult and nuanced because if you have people who are giving everything to their role, and they're being very successful, you'd probably commend them," he says. 

However, long hours and extreme dedication do take their toll on employees. They become prone to burnout and illness. 

"For some people, it's like hitting a wall. I had a breakdown... and I just couldn't work at all," says Walker. 

Lee Fernandes says it's important employers are aware that work addiction is a mental health issue. "Just because someone is spending a lot of time in the office, doesn't mean they are not struggling," he warns. 

He believes companies should be doing more to support the mental health of employees. "There is a growing need for employers to support mental health in the workplace. This could include providing counselling services and raising awareness of mental health issues," he adds. 

Finding help 

Caroline Walker admits it took a health crisis to make her step back from work. "If I hadn't had the breakdown, I don't think I'd be doing my recovery work today," she says. "I'm so ashamed of that… but that's my truth." 

It was also a difficult issue for her to bring up with her therapist. "The first time I saw my therapist, I just wanted to talk about how I was a bad mother," Walker remembers. "It took a long time to talk about work - maybe six months." 

But once she did, her therapist helped her recognize the signs of work addiction and find solutions. She began attending Workaholics Anonymous meetings and says the shared experiences provided much-needed support. "It felt like coming home," she says. 

Nick Hatter adds that Workaholics Anonymous offers "a place where you can be yourself and you know other people get you". 

However, he also knows that attending the group meetings can be difficult for many people. Hatter works as a life coach and helps workaholics find ways to recover from the condition while continuing to lead productive lives. 

"One of the things I do with people is to think about their values," he says. They are guided to "look at how they can build a life that aligns with their values, and at the same time get the work done". 

The aim is to teach them to "work smarter, not harder", he adds. 

Another technique is to help people set boundaries, Hatter explains. "Sometimes we have to learn to be a three-star worker rather than a five-star worker … so, not exceeding expectations the whole time, but just getting the job done." 

The rewards of recovery 

For playwright James Graham, workaholics Anonymous transformed his life. "It has improved every single element of my life…It's not just about the work. You start to think: what do I value? What makes me happy?" he told Desert Island Discs last weekend. 

Caroline Walker is still on her recovery journey, but attending Workaholics Anonymous "helped me to start living again", she says. It's also changing her as a parent. "I'm teaching my children about the importance of balance and how to be kinder to themselves." 

"It's so much about just being human and kind of accepting that you're good enough," she says. 

However, overcoming the deep-rooted reasons for addiction is a slow process. "The perfectionism is still there. And the shame is still there. But I'm learning how to manage it." 

Lee Fernandes also warns that recovery requires ongoing commitment. "You can never let your guard down completely," he says. "If you're a workaholic, it's something you have to learn to live with." 

"This workaholics anonymous recovery programme is something that helps you live with it day by day." 

Workaholism in the digital age 

The rise of technology has made disconnecting from work much more difficult for many people. In fact, Caroline Walker believes this has contributed to a rise in work addiction. 

"Now with email and smartphones, we have work with us 24/7," she says. "It's easy to fall into the trap of working whenever you get the urge." 

Nick Hatter agrees. With constant distractions just a tap away, focusing on any task becomes increasingly difficult. "The digital world has really amplified the problem," he says. "We're constantly being bombarded with information and it's hard to shut off." 

Caroline Walker thinks workaholism might be more prevalent among younger people who have grown up with this technology. 

Lee Fernandes also warns that the pandemic has shifted many working patterns further into the home, where the line between work and leisure becomes dangerously blurred. "When you are working at home, it's easy to lose track of time and end up working longer than you planned," he says. 

How to disconnect 

Despite these challenges, some experts believe simple strategies can help people avoid succumbing to a culture of overwork. 

Life coach Nick Hatter suggests creating "digital boundaries" as a starting point. "For example, you should avoid checking your work email outside of office hours," he advises. He also recommends scheduling time for relaxation activities that have nothing to do with work, such as exercising or spending time with loved ones. 

Furthermore, setting clear work-life boundaries could create essential "off time" during which people can recharge. 

Caroline Walker says she has adopted these strategies herself, and that even small changes make a difference. "There are still some days when I slip back into old patterns," she admits. But now she feels stronger, allowing her to recognize the signs and make adjustments before things escalate. 

The changing workplace 

As awareness of work addiction increases, there's growing pressure on employers to create a healthier working environment for employees. 

"We need more of a conversation about this," believes Caroline Walker. "We have to create workplaces where it's okay to say 'no' sometimes, and where people can feel safe putting their health first." 

Life coach Nick Hatter agrees, stating employers have a responsibility to be proactive about mental health. "They shouldn't wait for people to burn out," he adds. As a result, companies should make sure they have policies in place that are fair and flexible, to encourage better work-life balance. 

Lee Fernandes also recommends employers provide employees with access to support services such as counseling, as this could help employees manage stress and improve their overall well-being. 

Finding a balance 

It's a difficult topic, but Caroline Walker hopes that by speaking out about her own experiences, she can offer hope to others. 

"There is a way out of this," she says. "I'm still learning but I know now I have choices, and I'm determined to find a balance between work and the rest of my life." 

Nick Hatter also emphasizes that help is available. "There is nothing to be ashamed of," he says. "If anyone out there is struggling with work addiction, please reach out for support. There are people who understand and want to help." 

The cost of workaholism 

While the personal costs of workaholism are significant, the economic ramifications can be far-reaching as well. Nick Hatter explains that a culture of overwork has a profoundly negative impact on productivity levels. "Although people are putting in long hours, their output isn't actually that high," he says. 

Lee Fernandes agrees. "It may seem counterintuitive, but workaholics are often less productive in the long run," he explains. "They're more likely to make mistakes, have poor judgment, and their creativity may suffer." 

Beyond efficiency concerns, work addiction leads to high rates of absenteeism and staff turnover, which can be a major drain on resources. "Work addiction costs the UK economy billions of pounds a year," Fernandes states. 

These expenses stem not only from the direct costs associated with things like recruitment and training but also broader costs like the loss of productivity and organizational knowledge. 

Caroline Walker also warns that work addiction can create a toxic work environment. "Workaholics can be very perfectionistic and demanding, which can put a lot of pressure on other employees," she says. "This breeds resentment and can lead to a lack of cooperation." 

There's also the potential for work addiction to negatively impact customer relationships. "When employees feel overworked and burned out, they're less able to provide good customer service. This can damage a company's reputation," Fernandes warns. 

The importance of self-care 

For those struggling with work addiction, learning how to prioritize self-care is essential. 

Nick Hatter recommends starting with simple activities like spending time in nature or practicing mindfulness. "Even small acts of self-care can make a difference," he says. 

Caroline Walker also urges people to focus on the basics of good health. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and finding healthy ways to manage stress. 

"I learned the hard way that if I don't look after myself, everything else falls apart," she says. 

Seeking out the support of others is also crucial to recovery. Talking to a therapist or joining a support group can provide vital tools and emotional support. 

However, perhaps the most important step is recognizing that there is a problem. "There's often a lot of denial," Lee Fernandes explains. "Workaholics tend to think they're just hard workers." 

Changing attitudes 

Ultimately, tackling work addiction means changing attitudes in the workplace at large. This means promoting healthy work-life balance, prioritizing well-being, and showing more flexibility. 

"We need workplaces where employees feel valued and appreciated, and where they know it is okay to ask for help," says Caroline Walker. 

Lee Fernandes believes that creating these more compassionate work environments ultimately benefits everyone involved. "There's growing evidence that employees who feel supported and have a good work-life balance are happier, healthier, and more productive," he says. 

Although overcoming deep-rooted, compulsive behaviors is difficult, support groups like Workaholics Anonymous can be a powerful lifeline. As playwright James Graham experienced, finding like-minded people who understand the challenge brings hope and the tools for a healthier, more balanced life. 

Signs of workaholism 

If you're worried that a loved one might be suffering from work addiction, there are signs to look out for. While workaholism manifests differently for everyone, here are a few common indicators: 

Working long hours and feeling restless when not working: Workaholics struggle to relax and switch off, feeling perpetually drawn back to their tasks. 

Prioritizing work above all else: Responsibilities outside of work, like social events, family, and even basic self-care, take a back seat as the desire for work dominates. 

Difficulty delegating: Many workaholics struggle to trust others and feel a need to oversee every detail themselves, contributing to an unsustainable workload. 

Feeling guilty when not working: Even when trying to relax, workaholics feel unease because they aren't being "productive." 

Neglecting personal relationships: Workaholics often spend so much time working that their relationships with family and friends suffer. 

Physical and emotional health problems: The relentless pace of work addiction can lead to sleep issues, fatigue, anxiety, and even more severe health conditions. 

Finding hope 

It's important to remember that workaholism is treatable. With therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes, many workaholics learn how to manage their addiction and live happier, healthier lives. 

Caroline Walker is a shining example of the power of recovery. "My life is so much richer now that I'm not just focused on work," she says. She's not only rebuilt her family relationships but also started volunteering in her community and begun writing a book to share her story. 

Life coach Nick Hatter stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health in our culture. "'Well-being' has become a buzzword, but it's incredibly important," he says. "Especially at a time when we're so bombarded with information, it's vital to set boundaries and take care of ourselves." 

For Lee Fernandes, awareness is key. "We need to talk about this more, so people realize they don't have to cope with this problem alone. There is help available," he says. 

If you believe you or someone you know might have a work addiction, please don't hesitate to seek help. Here are some resources: 

Workaholics Anonymous:  A support group based on the 12-step recovery method. 

UK Addiction Treatment Group:  Offering a wide range of therapy and treatment options to help people overcome addictions. 

NHS - Get help with addiction:  Resources and assistance provided by the NHS to assist with addictions of all types.