143: Malissa Clark on Breaking Free of Workaholism

Overview

If you are a workaholic or have workaholic tendencies, you are not alone. Many of us struggle with overwork and assessing the right amount of effort to put towards our ambitions and priorities, without going overboard.

Today, Dr. Malissa Clark, author of Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, joins me for a conversation about workaholism and overwork, what drives it, why more people are struggling with it, and what organizations and individuals can do about it. 

Workaholism is a nuanced topic, and it isn’t solely about the number of hours we devote to work. Hopefully, the next time you call yourself — or someone calls you — a workaholic, you can give yourself grace as you adjust to make sure you’re working hard on the right things, in the right way.

More About Our Guest

Malissa Clark is an associate professor of industrial/organizational (I-O) psychology at the University of Georgia, where she has been on faculty since 2013. Currently, she serves as associate head of the department of psychology and director of the Healthy Work Lab. Recently selected as a member of the 2024 Thinkers 50 Radar list, Malissa is a recognized expert on the topics of workaholism, overwork, burnout, and employee well-being. Her first book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, has been recognized as one of the top management books of 2024 by numerous outlets, including Adam Grant’s 12 New Idea Books to Launch in 2024. Malissa is passionate about bridging the scientist-practitioner gap and advocating for healthier workplaces and worker well-being through her speaking and consulting. Her work has been featured on numerous podcasts and outlets such as Time, US News and World Report, New York Times, and The Washington Post. She currently serves as a member of the NIOSH Healthy Work Design and

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The key difference between overwork and workaholism

  • Four major components that define workaholism

  • The cultural underpinnings of overwork and workaholism in the U.S.

  • How workaholism inhibits long-term strategic thinking

  • The sometimes fine line between working hard towards an ambition and overwork or workaholism

  • How the “ideal worker” and “ideal parent” norms have a particular impact on women, workaholism, and health

  • How technology has contributed to the pervasiveness of overwork and workaholism

  • How to begin shifting the culture at organizations where workaholism is engrained

  • Rest and recovery strategies to help you truly disengage from work

Learn more about Malissa Clark:

Resources Mentioned

Thanks for Listening!

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2024Kathy OnetoRight Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort