Work Addiction and Creativity: Balanced View and Benefits of Workaholism

Naseer et al. paper provided interesting data suggesting that workaholism fosters employees' creativity and argued for a more balanced perspective to the dominant negative view of workaholics. We draw attention to several issues with the used design, findings, conclusions, and alternative explanations for the gathered data in the light of considerable developments in workaholism literature over the last decade: (i) workaholism/work addiction refers to a phenomenon conceptualized as an addictive disorder with well-established associations with a broad range of harm, (ii) it is comorbid with various psychopathologies, substance use and dependence, (iii) mental health problems and addictions are associated with creativity, (iv) however, these links are complex and often unclear, (v) work for some individuals is hypothesized to fulfill similar functions as stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, (vi) the initial studies support the mechanism of transition from healthy work engagement to workaholism via absorption phenomenologically indistinguishable from stimulant-induced “high.” We align with the proposition to develop a balanced view of workaholism, and we advocate for a nuanced framework that considers the complex cost/benefits ratios between short and long-term harms and potential gains. Both should be carefully investigated with robust methodologies allowing for evidence-based and informed decisions.