One out of every three employees confessed to engaging in substance use or displaying addictive behaviors on the job
In a concerning trend, Bupa, a leading health insurance provider, has reported over 26,000 claims related to various addictions in the past five years, marking a 7% increase from the previous year and the highest number since 2009. This increase, particularly in forms such as workaholism and related behavioural addictions, is driving a need for comprehensive solutions.
The causes of this rise are multifaceted. A toxic work environment, characterised by cultures that reward long hours and excessive productivity, often pushes employees towards workaholism. Fear of failure and financial insecurity, concerns about job loss or financial troubles, drive some employees to overwork compulsively. Avoidance behaviour, using work to escape personal or emotional problems, can encourage addictive patterns of overwork. Personality and mental health factors, such as traits like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and mental illnesses like anxiety, ADHD, or OCD, increase vulnerability. The "always-on" digital culture, especially among younger employees, fuels compulsive work behaviour and burnout. High job involvement with low work enjoyment also contributes to addictive overwork.
The effects of workplace addiction are far-reaching. Health consequences, such as stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and related health complaints, increase significantly in addicted workers. Workaholism can lead to other addictions such as alcoholism and overeating. Excessive work disrupts personal and family life, causing emotional abandonment of loved ones and potential marital strain or divorce. Compulsive work reduces emotional intelligence and psychological detachment abilities, worsening workplace interpersonal conflicts, especially among young employees.
Organizational impacts include absenteeism, higher turnover, low morale, resentment, and conflict among coworkers due to unrealistic expectations from workaholic managers. Addiction in general also contributes to increased anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, isolation, and physical health problems such as malnutrition and increased cancer risk if substance abuse is involved.
To address workplace addiction, a multi-level approach is necessary. This includes cultivating a healthy work culture, promoting psychological detachment, mental health support and awareness, training for emotional intelligence and stress management, clear communication and boundary setting, targeted interventions for high-risk groups, monitoring and support for secondary addictions, and addressing the stigma surrounding addiction in the workplace.
Dr Robin Clark, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, stated that addiction is a taboo topic in the workplace due to stigma, lack of understanding, and fear of repercussions. The study found that 34% of employees surveyed reported using or witnessing substance use or addictive behaviours during work hours.
In a bid to create a culture where people can feel supported and comfortable opening up about their addictions and seeking help, Bupa's mental health cover offers direct access to specialists without the need for a GP referral, ensuring quicker intervention and ongoing support for addiction management. For more information about recognizing addiction and regaining control, visit
In summary, workplace addiction primarily manifests as compulsive overwork driven by cultural, psychological, and personal factors, with severe mental, physical, social, and organizational consequences. Effective mitigation requires systemic cultural change, attention to mental health, and targeted supportive interventions.
- To foster a culture of health and wellness in the workplace, it's crucial to address the rising trend of work-related addictions, such as workaholism and behavioral addictions, which are primarily driven by toxic work environments and factors like fear of failure, financial insecurity, and mental health issues.
- A comprehensive approach to addressing workplace addiction should encompass promoting psychological detachment, mental health support, and awareness, training for emotional intelligence and stress management, clear communication and boundary setting, targeted interventions for high-risk groups, and addressing the stigma surrounding addiction in the workplace.
- In order to create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help, businesses could consider implementing mental health coverage that offers direct access to specialists without a GP referral, ensuring quicker intervention and ongoing support for addiction management.
