Do you spend most of your day – including your free time – thinking about work? Are you more concerned about what your boss thinks than your family? Would you rather be in your cubicle than in your home? A new study from CareerBuilder looks at indicators of being addicted to work and what workers can do to find a happy medium between work and personal time in the New Year. The nationwide survey was conducted between August 17 and September 2, 2010 and included more than 3,100 workers.
2010 brought with it leaner staffs and heftier workloads. More than half of workers (52 percent) reported they put in more than 40 hours a week. Fourteen percent work more than 50 hours. Thirty-one percent bring home work at least once a week; one-in-ten bring home work at least every other day.
For a quarter of workers, it’s difficult to leave the office behind once they leave for the day.
- 24 percent of workers reported that when they’re at home or out socially, they’re still thinking about work.
- 19 percent often dream about work.
- 16 percent stated that most of their conversations – at work, home or out socially – always tend to focus on work.
Extended workdays and an unwavering focus on business while at home are taking a toll on family relationships.
- 22 percent of workers reported they don’t have time to pursue personal interests because they say they’re always working.
- 15 reported that they would rather be working than at home.
- 12 percent said the amount of time spent on work is causing friction with their family.
- 9 percent are more concerned about approval from their boss than their family.
Workers reported increased stress levels and health complications tied to pressures at work.
- 51 percent of workers reported their workloads have increased over the last six months.
- 27 percent have not taken a personal or sick day in the last few years.
- 26 percent have experienced health issues tied to stress on the job.
“With increased demands at the office and greater accessibility through mobile devices, the workday literally never ends for some workers,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “While a strong work ethic is valued, a lack of balance with your personal life can ultimately work against you in the long run. As the year wraps up, take inventory of your personal time and see where you need to make adjustments in 2011.”
Haefner offers the following tips to achieve a more manageable schedule and better work/life balance:
1) Set aside personal time.You schedule business meetings and events. Do the same for “me time” or “family time” and stick to the schedule.
2) Let go. Learn to delegate work-related tasks and responsibilities to others.
3)Take off the e-leash. In most cases, that email or text can wait. Turn off your electronic devices at a certain time. Take care of personal commitments and put the kids to bed before turning it back on.
4)Talk to others who understand your situation. Check out support groups such as Workaholics Anonymous and find out what others have done in their recovery.
