Be careful not to misuse the term ‘workaholic’

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.