Are you a workaholic or just a hard worker? With Malissa Clark, PhD

Workaholism is a multifaceted, compulsive condition driven by introjected motivation—the internal feeling that one "ought" to work—rather than genuine job dedication. It manifests through constant cognitive preoccupation with work, emotional anxiety, and behavioral patterns like working during vacation. Research indicates that workaholism consistently yields negative outcomes, including cardiovascular risks, sleep disturbances, burnout, and damaged personal relationships, while failing to improve actual job performance. Dr. Malissa Clark, a professor of industrial-organizational psychology at the University of Georgia and author of *Never Not Working*, highlights that organizational cultures often exacerbate these tendencies by rewarding constant accessibility. Effective management requires intentional boundary setting and "mastery experiences"—engaging in non-work activities that demand focus—to facilitate psychological detachment. Ultimately, overcoming workaholism involves shifting away from an "always-on" mentality that prioritizes perpetual availability over long-term health and professional sustainability.