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On the one hand, you have talented and loyal employees; on the other, you’ll find workaholics who are persistent in delivering results, prioritizing work above everything else. These employees will take your company to greater heights, driven by passion.
However, avoiding health issues due to willingly extending long work hours may lead to personal problems. Therefore, National Workaholics Day is celebrated to remind workaholics to take a breather and relax.
In this article, we’ll illuminate the origin of Workaholics, describe ways to celebrate National Workaholics Day, and much more.
Origin of the term Workaholic
In 1968, the brilliant comedian Rodney Dangerfield coined the term "workaholics" to describe his father's relationship with alcohol, which he turned to to cope with work pressures. Throughout the centuries, the perception of work and the value we place on it has changed.
Back in the sixteenth century, the Puritans believed that work was an obligation and something that benefited society.
They saw hard work as a reflection of divine grace. On the other hand, Catholics viewed work as a necessary part of life, a way to manifest the faith they held dear.
Over time, however, the focus on proving oneself in the workplace became all-consuming for many people. They became so engrossed in their jobs that they neglected other essential aspects of their lives.
How many hours can Workaholics put in?
Workaholics often find themselves stretching away for extended periods, far surpassing the typical 40-hour workweek. Depending upon their personal interests, the number of hours can be extended.
Some dedicated workaholics push themselves to work 50, 60, or even more hours each week, creating a mental imbalance. However, it's crucial to understand that this intense commitment can come at a cost.
Excessive work hours can lead to burnout. To maintain our well-being and happiness, it's generally advised to strike a healthy equilibrium between our professional and personal spheres. After all, we deserve to nurture all aspects of our lives, not just our careers.
Difference between a Workaholic and a hard worker
There is a fine line between hard workers and a workaholic. Let’s explore for more!
1. Time management
- Hard workers tend to arrive at the office on time. However, due to unforeseen situations, they showcase flexibility and communicate honestly to the management about their time frame.
- On the other side, Workaholics come to the office despite poor weather conditions, illness, and other vital necessities.
2. Social Interaction
- Hard workers are well-tuned to live active social lives with diverse interests.
- Workaholics don’t give much importance to social events, interests, and hobbies.
Signs to consider if you’re on the edge of becoming a workaholic
Here are the signs to consider if you’re on the edge of becoming a workaholic
1. Spending more time at work than anywhere else
You may become a workaholic if you log in early and out late. It doesn’t matter how early or late you leave; what gets considered is the results you deliver.
Suggestion - This 5th of July, celebrate the national workaholic day with all the workaholics around you.
2. You bring work home
At a time when your family eagerly awaits your presence at the dinner table, workaholics avoid family gatherings and continue to get busy with work. This schedule doesn’t go well when you need to prioritize your relationship with your family
3. Yearning for appreciation
The majority of workaholics work to receive appreciation from the management. In this process, you might pretend to be working while staring at the laptop screen.
A workaholic often looks forward to rewards. When people notice you are working, they may tell you you are a team player. However, there’s a dark side to affirmation.
Maybe, you work to get appreciation without wanting to learn something new. This process isn’t acceptable in the long run.
4. Feeling stressed about pending tasks
When you are about to take a break, sudden pending tasks creep up on you. This leads to having stressful feelings if taking a break. These thoughts tell you that doing something productive is more important.
How to observe National Workaholic Day?
A healthy work-life is more important than your paycheck!
Some of the activities that workaholics can do on National Workaholics Day include going on a short trip to Wonderla or going on a shopping spree to delight your senses. You can also gift yourself a smartwatch or a PlayStation device.
8 National Workaholic Day celebration ideas in the office
Here are 8 8 National Workaholic Day celebration ideas at work.
1. Take the day off and do something productive
We've often believed that taking a day off could somehow hinder our careers. An occasion like National Workaholics Day is perfectly okay to treat yourself to a well-deserved day of relaxation.
Take a moment to delve into something that lets you express yourself creatively. It could be picking up a camera or capturing the world through photography.
2. Foster a family-friendly environment at the workplace
As employers, we believe in fostering a family-friendly environment for all your employees.
Invite employees to embrace the importance of family time by planning special meals together. These moments offer a chance to gather around the table, engage in meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories.
3. Receiving rewards and recognition with employee engagement activities
We can all agree that being rewarded and recognized for our hard work is an excellent employee engagement activity.
On this National Workaholics Day, let's tap into our creativity, and recognize and reward employee contributions.
4. Organizing team-building activities
With great team-building activities, you can give your workaholics a break from their desks. In this manner, you can send a reminder about how engaging with employees can create good memories.
5. Work-Life Balance Workshop
Organize a workshop or seminar on work-life balance to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Invite guest speakers or internal experts to share tips, strategies, and best practices for managing workload while also making time for personal life, hobbies, and relaxation.
6. Wellness activities
Dedicate the day to promoting employee well-being and self-care. Set up a relaxation or meditation corner where employees can take short daily breaks. Offer yoga or mindfulness sessions during lunchtime.
Arrange for massage therapists to provide short chair massages to employees. Encourage employees to take breaks and engage in activities that help them relax and recharge.
7. Flexible work arrangements
Allow employees to have a flexible workday on National Workaholic Day. Let them choose their working hours or work remotely, if feasible.
Encourage them to use the day to focus on personal tasks or spend quality time with their families. Flexibility can help employees strike a better work-life balance and reduce workaholic tendencies.
8. "No Emails After Hours" Policy
Implement a temporary policy for National Workaholic Day where employees are encouraged not to check or respond to work-related emails outside of their regular working hours.
Communicate the importance of disconnecting from work and being fully present in personal activities and relationships.
Conclusion
Being a workaholic is positive and negative. In the positive sense, a workaholic ensures that work isn’t compromised with quality.
On the negative side, workaholics neglect being part of family occasions, hampering relationships.
As American Independence Day comes to a close, calling all Workaholics to celebrate National Workaholics Day with pride and leisure.
