A recent study conducted by the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), sponsored by the Hans-Böckler Foundation, has revealed that approximately 10% of employed individuals in Germany suffer from work addiction. The study, which was published in the journal Arbeit, is based on representative data from 8,010 individuals from the years 2017 and 2018. The highest percentage of individuals who exhibit compulsive and excessive work behavior are those in leadership positions, with 12.4% of them being affected. The study also found that work addiction is more prevalent among younger individuals and those in the agricultural sector.
The study defines work addiction as a condition where individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when not engaged in work, similar to other forms of addiction. The researchers suggest that company expectations can incentivize work addiction, such as when a leader is expected to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. The study also found that work addiction is less prevalent in larger companies with stronger regulations and employee representation.
The study highlights the need for companies to address work addiction and its potential negative impact on employees’ mental and physical health. It also emphasizes the importance of employee representation and regulation in preventing work addiction. The findings of this study can serve as a starting point for companies to evaluate their work culture and make necessary changes to promote a healthy work-life balance.
