Workaholic vs. Workafrolic: The Right Approach?

Most people generally assume that working too much is bad for their health. But what exactly is unhealthy remains unclear. Is it working long hours that increases risk of developing health issues? Or is it something else, like some people’s compulsive work mentality, that is harmful for health? Besides, people are increasingly expected to juggle multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results, all while maintaining their work-life balance. However, this has given rise to two distinct types of employees: the workaholic and the workafrolic.

A study unravels the difference between behaviour (working long hours) and mentality (a compulsion to work, or what we call workaholism). A survey and health screening of 763 employees found that work hours was not related to health issues, while workaholism was.

Whether or not they worked long hours, people who obsessed over work reported more health complaints and had increased risk for metabolic syndrome; they also reported a higher need for recovery, more sleep problems, more cynicism, more emotional exhaustion, and more depressive feelings than employees who merely worked long hours but did not have workaholic tendencies.

The Workaholic: A Double-Edged Sword

A workaholic is someone who are consumed by their work, often at the expense of their family life and health. This category of employees tend to see work as an identity — integrating it fully into their sense of self-worth. For workaholics, the idea of not working feels unsettling, and they find it difficult to step away, even when they are physically exhausted. Workaholism is often associated with long hours, perfectionism, and a sense of guilt when not working.

The Workafrolic: A New Breed of Employees

On the other end of the spectrum, there is the workafrolic, a more modern and somewhat paradoxical approach to work. A workafrolic is someone who enjoys their work but also knows how to keep it light, fun, and balanced with other aspects of life. Unlike workaholics, workafrolics don’t lose sight of their personal well-being and recognise the importance of leisure, rest, and social connections in maintaining overall health and happiness.

Striking a Balance: The Sweet Spot

So, where should we strike the balance between being a workaholic and a workafrolic? The truth is, neither extreme is sustainable in the long run, and both come with their unique set of challenges. Finding a middle ground is always essential to fostering both professional success and personal well-being.

Here are some steps to help find the right balance:

1. Knowing Limits is Important

One of the first steps in balancing work and life is recognising when we’ve reached our limit. If we’re leaning too much toward workaholism, we may experience chronic fatigue, irritability, or a sense of detachment from other facets of our lives. If we happen to be too much of a workafrolic, we might start missing deadlines, a lack of career progression, or a sense of underachievement. Being in tune with our physical, mental, and emotional state can help us gauge when we need to adjust.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Let’s learn to create clear distinctions between work hours and personal & family time. This could mean not checking work emails and messages outside of office hours, or it might involve setting a firm end time to our workday to ensure that we have time for activities that refresh and recharge us for the next day. Establishing boundaries helps prevent work from encroaching on our personal life and vice-versa.

3. Prioritise Health & Wellness

Regardless of whether we’re a workaholic or a workafrolic, health should always come first. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are critical for maintaining energy levels and mental clarity. When work becomes all-consuming, our health tends to suffer, leading to long-term negative effects. Conversely, if we prioritise well-being without neglecting work, we’ll find ourselves more focused, motivated, and productive.

4. Quality vs. Quantity

Both workaholics and workafrolics can benefit from focusing on the quality of their work rather than the quantity. For workaholics, this might mean stepping back and evaluating whether working longer hours is truly leading to better results. For workafrolics, it’s about making sure that when we work, we’re fully engaged and productive. High-quality output will always be more beneficial than simply putting in more time without direction.

5. Stay Flexible

Flexibility is key to maintaining balance. Life is dynamic, so are our needs and priorities in life. Being able to adapt to changes, whether in work schedules, personal goals, or health challenges, ensures that maintain a balanced approach without becoming entrenched in one extreme. Flexibility also allows us to make time for new opportunities — whether personal or professional — that contribute to our overall happiness.

Take Aways

Finally, in examining the contrasting approaches of workaholism and workafrolicism, it becomes clear that the way individuals engage with their work profoundly impacts their well-being and productivity. Workaholics often become consumed by their tasks, driven by external pressures or internal compulsions, which can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and diminished health. On the other hand, workafrolics embrace their work with passion and joy, seamlessly integrating it into their lives in a way that fuels creativity and personal fulfilment.

About the Author

Muhammad Sajwani is a C-Level HR, Transformation Leader, Board Advisor, Business Coach & Organisational Consultant and Managing Director, Evolve HR. He is an author, columnist and a contributor who besides writing for LinkedIn and Medium, also regularly writes for BizCatalyst 360 and has published around 500 articles. He brings along 30+ years of local & international experience. He is a change catalyst specialising in unleashing the human Dreamgenius through Leadership, Creativity and Change Management. Muhammad has been instrumental in helping organizations come to terms with organizational changes like right-sizing and business process re-engineering. His innovative approach & high personal competence encourages people to not only accept change, but also to excel in it. Muhammad has diverse experience in conducting strategic & management development programs, conferences & events for organisations across sectors. In recognition of his long outstanding services, Global HR Professionals — GHRP & Artificial Intelligence Community of Pakistan awarded him the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in the year 2024.