Sitting here at 22.15, when I could have downed tools hours ago, this caught my eye…
Workaholism – otherwise known as work addiction – is an inner pressure to work, that provides a sense of fulfilment, but which can also lead to physical and psychological problems, relationship issues and burnout.
Whilst some see workaholism as a sign of dedication and commitment, a recent study led by Aston University and University of Leipzig scholars suggests that it has potentially far-reaching consequences.
The study, published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, showed that workaholism can interfere with moral self-regulation and subsequent ethical behaviour, particularly in organisations that prioritise bottom-line results and self-interest.
Negative consequences
An international team of researchers, led by Professor Roberta Fida (Aston University) and Dr Michael Knoll (University of Leipzig) and funded by INAIL (the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work), conducted two surveys to study workplace behaviour. They gathered responses from employees in Italy (505 people) and the UK (1,046 people) over three different points in time.
Their findings show that being a workaholic can cause people to become less engaged with their moral values. This makes them less likely to speak up about ethical problems they notice at work and more likely to stay silent, even when they see something wrong.
The research draws on Bandura’s social cognitive theory of morality, which suggests that moral behaviour is regulated by personal standards and social norms.
Commenting on the findings Roberta Fida, professor of organisational behaviour and organisational psychology at Aston University, said: “Workaholics, focused intensely on task completion and personal achievement, tend to disengage from their moral standards.
“This leads them to rationalise silence in the face of unethical practices, which can preserve behaviours and practices that are potentially damaging to organisations and society at large”.
“Our findings highlight the critical need for organisations to rethink their workplace cultures, particularly in sectors where bottom-line mentalities dominate. When workaholism and a self-interested culture converge, the result isn’t just burnout – it’s a systemic erosion of ethical standards.”
Instead, they should foster an organisational culture that rewards ethical behaviour, encourages moral voice, and reduces pressures that lead to excessive working.”
You can read the full study, Quiet workaholics? The link between workaholism and employee silence and moral voice as explained by the social cognitive theory of morality, by visiting the Journal of Organizational Behavior website.
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