Birkbeck research uncovers link between work addiction and burnout
The study found that work addiction can drive burnout, but psychological resources such as hope and self-efficacy help protect against it.
A new study led by doctoral researcher, Stephanie Towch, in Birkbeck’s School of Psychological Sciences, has shed light on the significant connection between work addiction and burnout, emphasising the role psychological resources and job satisfaction can play in reducing the negative effects of this modern-day problem.
The research surveyed 454 employees across 52 countries, examining how work addiction—defined as an unhealthy compulsion to work excessively — contributes to burnout. The study also explored how personal psychological resources, known as Psychological Capital (PsyCap), and job satisfaction affect the severity of burnout.
The study revealed that nearly 28% of participants exhibited signs of work addiction, though fewer than 4% met the criteria for severe addiction. Those experiencing work addiction are more likely to experience burnout, characterised by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, feelings of inadequacy, and growing cynicism toward work.
However, the research shows that individuals with strong PsyCap — such as self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience — are better equipped to cope with the demands of work addiction, significantly lowering their risk of burnout. These personal attributes appear to buffer the impact of work addiction on overall well-being. Additionally, job satisfaction was found to offer some level of protection against burnout, but it alone is not enough to fully mitigate the risks in those already addicted to work.
Towch commented: "Our findings highlight the importance of recognising work addiction as a real issue that affects mental health in the workplace. While job satisfaction and personal psychological resources can help alleviate burnout, we see that the link between work addiction and burnout remains strong. It’s clear that other factors — like individual coping strategies and workplace culture — also play a role."
Despite the protective benefits of PsyCap and job satisfaction, the study indicates that they are not a complete solution. The results suggest that other factors, such as workplace environments likely influence the development of burnout in those experiencing work addiction, and also highlights that further research is needed to uncover these factors and develop more effective strategies for promoting workplace well-being.
The research underscores the importance for both employers and employees to acknowledge the risks associated with work addiction and the long-term toll it can take on mental health. Enhancing psychological resources such as hope, resilience, and self-efficacy in the workforce may offer a proactive approach to managing work addiction and preventing burnout, ultimately fostering healthier work habits and a more sustainable work-life balance.