Workaholics Disease - Book Report/Review Example

 Workaholics Work-holism is not a usual word. It can be used to define someone who puts in too much work, used as a source of pride, or to suggest a person who is ill, works compulsively, and is not able to quit doing so. Ergomania is a term that is closely related and could mean obsession or mania related to work with the Japanese referring to it as karoshi, which they view as negative and a cause of early death (Antoniou & Cooper, 2005). The term work-holism is preceded by workaholic, was coined by Dr. Richard Evans in the 60s, and has become a common word, although it is not clear whether it is a negative trait or a positive one. In negative terms, it is defined as a disease that could cause OCD where an individual is unable to stop working since it becomes a compulsion for them. People view work-holism in a different manner compared to other dependencies. While it can be viewed as a respectable addiction, this does not adequately capture the attitude that prevails towards this condition (Antoniou & Cooper, 2005). The Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders that recognize caffeine as being a dependency does not refer to work as a dependency or addiction. While Bill Gates is a certified workaholic, for instance, no one has suggested that he uses a support group. Nonetheless, these groups do exist with Workaholics Anonymous that was founded in 1983 having over one thousand members to date with meetings in various cities such as Bangkok, London, Paris, and Reykjavik. Its newsletter contains testimonials, for example, stating that some members were addicted to activity, as well as how they dealt with the malady (Antoniou & Cooper, 2005). However, the group has had to deal with the fact that this disorder is not viewed as a baffling malady. Most people do not take work-holism seriously, either laughing it away or dismissing. Work ethic, in the society, is an ingrained idea and most people do not see a problem with working too hard. However, it seems that things are changing. Numerous of studies have sought to clarify that addiction to working has effects on people and a “Bergen Work Addiction Scale” has been devised with a criteria list that is standardized (Robinson, 2007). It is aimed at aiding people to identify if they are addicted to working, rather than having a tendency to overwork. Psychology today, meanwhile, outlined four main types of work addicts, i.e. the muddled multi-tasker, the stress junkie, the manic perfectionist, and the person who is powerless when it comes to letting go of a project. They also explored sundry neurosis and narcissism that underlie the disease. While this categorization may seem academic, its aim is the real world, and it aims to make people aware that they possess a condition that can be identified, making them more likely to seek help (Robinson, 2007). It has become abundantly clear that this class of people requires help; research has found that those who work for at fifty hours every week are more prone to having alcoholic issues. Over workers are more likely to suffer heart disease than those who do not over work. In addition, middle-aged people who work for over 55 hours are more likely to be disproportionately of slow wit and have a higher risk of dementia (Robinson, 2007). Work addiction has even become a study at a cellular level and workaholics operate on a flight or fight response that causes a drench of adrenalin, norepinephrine, and cortisol. This condition can also cause compromised immune systems, diabetes; hear attacks, and GIT problems. Those who tend to overwork are also susceptible to over consumption of coffee, as well as depression and stress, broken nuptials, eat bad food, get less sleep, and lack regular exercise (Robinson, 2007). The result of all this is ill health. The Japanese have a word for work addiction, karoshi, which also means death by work. However, according to International Labor Organization figures, workers in the United States work for more hours a day compared to those workers in Japan, i.e. 1792 hours in comparison to 1771 hours (Glicken, 2010). Less than 40% of Americans work even during their vacation, and it is now said that Americans put in more than 20% more hours than they did in the 70s. As we head to the future, weeks with 60 working hours are becoming common and the norm. However, these studies tell us that the problem, rather than being an American issue, is a global one with Spanish researchers predicting that work addicts in the country would rise to 11.8% from 4.6% by the year 2015 (Glicken, 2010). This fact, especially since Spain is in a precarious employment, and economic situation, may be of help in understanding the sudden rise of interest in the issue. If work addiction and work-holism are on the rise, it is important to take a deeper look at the role of the economic downturn in this issue. People have turned to working long hours to increase their income, as well as in order to ensure that they are indispensable enough to be looked over when the next round of checks into redundancies takes place (Glicken, 2010). However, how does one make the leap to addiction from obsession, anxiety, and necessity? This area of research is thin, especially because this question, rather than being clinical in nature, is more philosophical. It can be argued that the upturn in work addiction and over-working causes an increase in usage, for instance, in the same way that work-holism possesses a chemical dependence to it (Glicken, 2010). Workaholics Anonymous describes this psychological factor as deriving individual’s self-esteem and identity from work. The humiliation and personal financial ruin that is entailed by this seem to play into the facts. Either way, reading scientific research and media reports that are inspired by reportage of the issue shows that the world is in the middle of an epidemic that involves work junkies and unhappy individuals glued to their computers whose hearts are on their way to failure and disease (Coombs, 2004). However, there is dissent with a study in France proposing that being a workaholic can be of help by being constructive, as well as generating welcome outcomes for society, individuals, and organizations. Another study in Britain found that people who watch their clocks are more susceptible to apathy and anxiety, compared to those who immerse themselves into what they do. Meanwhile, a new term, engaged workaholic, has been coined, which refers to the fact that if one loves what they do, then there is no harm in doing too much of it (Coombs, 2004). This is not something that can be said of compulsive gamblers, drug addicts, and alcoholics. References Antoniou, Alexander-Stamatios. & Cooper, Cary. (2005). Research companion to organizational health psychology: Cheltenham, Angle Terre: E. Elgar. Coombs, Robert. (2004). Handbook of Addictive Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Glicken, Morley. (2010). Retirement for workaholics: Life after work in a downsized economy. Santa Barbara: Praeger. Robinson, Bryan. (2007). Chained to the desk: A guidebook for workaholics, their partners and children, and the clinicians who treat them New York, N.Y: New York University Press. Read More