Work, work and work. Many people, including the writer of this article, are guilty of letting work take over their personal life way past working hours. Ever had those moments when you're busy replying to colleague's messages during dinner? Or thinking of work while you're on a holiday? Oh dear.

It will only get tougher from now on, especially with smartphone and laptops, it's harder to disconnect from work. You're not even sure if you're a hard worker or just a workaholic.

Based on a Harvard Business Review study, it appears that 54% of employees check work emails during the holidays and 6% admit to even checking them at a funeral. There's even a report that said 25% of Singaporeans almost never leave work on time.

We have to figure out the difference between working hard and just plain addiction to work. 

Are you a workaholic? 

According to the Bergen Work Addiction Scale, replying ‘often’ or ‘always’ to at least four of the following seven criteria may indicate a work addiction:

• You think of how you can free up more time to work.

• You spend much more time working than initially intended.

• You work in order to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, helplessness and depression.

• You have been told by others to cut down on work without listening to them.

• You become stressed if you are prohibited from working.

• You deprioritise hobbies, leisure activities, and exercise because of your work.

• You work so much that it has negatively influenced your health.

There's a difference between hardworking and obsessed with work.

How do you stop being a Workaholic?

First of all, you need to regain the balance between your work life and personal life. Here are ways to stop being a workaholic:

• Reduce distraction: Shorten meetings, set dedicated working times where people can focus and create a culture of face to face interaction rather than using email. 40% of employees believe work distraction could also be drastically decreased with flexible and remote working options.

• Encourage work-life balance: The 40-hour work week should be the standard practice, even for CEOs. Focus on results rather than hours spent at the desk. Encourage employees to spend their vacation days. 

• Try a digital detox: Don't spend too much time online. Log off of your work email and put away your phone during weekends and holidays. Set an office policy where employees don't need to adopt an always online attitude. 

• Allow mornings to set the precedent for the rest of the day: Every morning, take the time to exercise, read, meditate or plan for the day. Stick to a realistic to-do list of no more than 5 items at a time.

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Source: Human Resources Online

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