Article: Be careful not to misuse the term ‘workaholic’ Written by Professor Shivani Sharma Tuesday 08 July 2025 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email The nature of work, and what people want from work, is changing. With this reorientation, we need to get better at identifying the difference between work-life integration and workaholism Societal expectations around work are ever evolving. Gone are the days when working all hours possible, skipping lunch and forgoing holidays for deadline after deadline were glamorised and seen as an accolade in the context of career progression. In fact, according to the Workmonitor 2025 report, more than ever before, employees are now prioritising work-life balance over dimensions such as salary. This survey includes over 26,000 people from numerous regions and markets. The findings bring into sharp focus the question of when such a harmonious state – the balance of work and life – is achieved. It also means rethinking whether we know it when we see it. Might we, as people making judgements every day, be labelling new concepts of balance erroneously as part of an unhealthy, ‘always on’ culture? Are you a ‘workaholic’? As a mother of two young children, working full time and engaged with a variety of ‘extracurricular’ professional activities, I am often faced with the narrative of others that I’m overworking, going to burnout, being performative as a woman of colour, and setting unrealistic expectations and bars. Where does this come from? Friends, family and people I am mentoring sharing perceptions from the outside looking in. Read more: which is better – chasing the dream or achieving balance? I can’t help but think whether there is an alternative framing. With the preoccupation with balance, are we mislabelling as ‘workaholics’ some of those who have found that sweet spot of integrating purpose and drive in professional spheres with life at large? Language matters From a theoretical perspective, workaholism is well researched and accepted to come with real harms for individuals and organisations. It is a form of problematic work engagement that negatively impacts health and wellbeing, and eventually output due to burnout. Keep reading: the changing relationship between work and life Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.