How to deal with a workaholic colleague

If you have a workaholic colleague, their dedication to work can be overwhelming. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, readily take on additional tasks, and respond to emails almost instantly. They work continuously, whether in the office or at home.

Working side by side with workaholics can be a challenging experience. Their constant overload can create a stressful environment, making you feel like you need to adjust to their pace. This can lead to increased stress, potential emotional burnout, and a decline in creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction.

In today’s competitive labor market, team members often make every effort to prove their worth. However, there is a clear distinction between a passion for your work and an obsession with it.

Workaholics are driven by an inner need to always be at work, and they often think about it outside of work hours to the detriment of their personal lives. It’s not just about those who work hard; it’s about those who are emotionally attached to their work to the point that it affects their personal lives and relationships.

Communicating with a workaholic colleague requires tactful actions to minimize the impact of his behavior on you and the team. It is essential to set boundaries for yourself and maintain a healthy work-life balance, regardless of the pressure that may arise from a workaholic teammate.

4 ways to deal with a workaholic colleague

1. Make the workaholic’s actions less personal

When we see someone overworking themselves, it’s easy to conclude that they’re trying to surpass or outshine us. This assumption is a typical example of a fundamental attribution error, a concept of social psychology. It describes our tendency to explain another person’s behavior based on their personality or character while attributing our actions to external circumstances beyond our control.

Your colleague’s overwork is most likely not an attempt to intimidate you or compete with you. To counter such a preconceived opinion, consider alternative explanations for his behavior. Perhaps he’s dealing with personal issues and using work as a distraction. Or maybe it’s a reaction to a negative experience gained at a previous job. Understanding that their actions are not directed against you can help reduce the stress and pressure you may feel due to their work habits.

2. Stay true to your boundaries

When dealing with a workaholic colleague, it is important to resist peer pressure. Comparing yourself to someone who constantly overworks, it’s easy to feel guilty or question your work ethic. You may wonder if you’re doing enough or if you feel obligated to match their level of effort. However, it is essential to maintain a balanced outlook on things and avoid extremes in thinking.

Remember that not participating in late-night meetings does not make you lazy or irresponsible. Taking care of yourself and setting boundaries are essential to maintaining your performance and overall well-being. If your colleague makes passive-aggressive remarks about your work habits, such as “It must be nice not to do XYZ,” respond confidently.

Admit that, yes, a balanced approach is useful, and explain how unsubscribing from the perpetual hustle has positively affected you. Mention that stress is significantly reduced if you don’t believe that constant fuss is the only or best way to succeed. Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M .For the full article. This position can help you develop healthy work habits and even influence your colleague’s point of view.

3. Don’t glorify overwork

Praising results that are clearly the result of excessive work can be harmful. For example, if you know that your colleague has been working all night for a presentation, praising his self-sacrifice may inadvertently contribute to the development of unhealthy work habits. Similarly, if they express feelings of being overwhelmed by their workload, avoid comments like, “Wow, you’re really trying your best,” as this can reinforce their obsessive work behavior.

Keep an eye on your actions so as not to unintentionally support their tendency to workaholism. For example, while it may be convenient for you to check emails on a Saturday, consider scheduling messages for Monday morning to avoid exchanging emails over the weekend. By prioritizing work-life balance in your daily life, you are not only taking care of yourself but also setting a positive example for others. This can subtly encourage your colleagues to adopt healthier work habits and make time for self-care.

4. Push back and manage expectations

Workaholics often have blurred lines between work and personal life; they readily accept last-minute requests and struggle to refuse additional assignments. To maintain a work-life balance, it is important to consider expectations regarding response time and availability.

For example, if your colleague expects you to write a brief description of the project in less than 24 hours, make it clear about your limitations. You could reply something like, “It’s impossible in such a short time. In the future, please give me at least three days’ notice so that I can include such tasks in my schedule.” It is also useful to propose or support the implementation of systems and processes that reduce unnecessary workload and increase efficiency.

When you begin to assert your boundaries, be prepared for initial resistance or disappointment from your colleagues. Such a reaction is normal and indicates that your efforts are yielding results. Be firm, maintain your position, and be prepared for the consequences if necessary.

Finally, change your perspective on performance. Instead of measuring success by the number of hours worked, focus on the quality and results of your work. The effectiveness of your work is not to work longer but to be productive and achieve high-quality results. Remember that the return on your work is important, not just the time spent on it.