The United States of Workaholics: 10 Telling Stats You Should Know

National Workaholics Day fell on July 5th, and while many may look at the title with a bemused smile, others take it as an opportunity to educate the world about a serious psychiatric disorder. Although workaholism (rather than merely working hard) carries with it the very same psychological, physiological, emotional and mental symptoms as alcohol, drug and other addictions, it's the only one society actually rewards. Legitimizing such risky habits by throwing money and promotions at them renders the condition nearly impossible to treat. The following statistics reflect the sad reality of workaholics and their loved ones both in the United States and beyond its borders. Understanding the ugly side of "go-getting" makes for the best strategy towards combating the serious toll it takes on individuals and families alike.

1. 
   

   Thirty-four percent of American adults don't take their vacation days:

   Employed American adults, anyways. Expedia.com ran a survey in 2009 revealing just how many gave up their average of 13 vacation days every year. Their reasoning varies, with 11% saying they receive financial compensation for missing out, 10% unable to properly schedule time off in advance and 10% can't sync their plans with significant others. From there, a staggering 19% ended up either postponing or outright canceling their vacations thanks to work obligations. And 30% find themselves unable to fully relax and enjoy what time they do get off thanks to overarching career-related stress.

2. 
   

   Workaholic marriages suffer disproportionately more than others:

   The divorce rate amongst couples with no workaholic spouse sits at around 16%. By contrast, workaholic marriages crumble at a 55% rate, owing to alienation and a sense that jobs control the family unit far more than…well…the family unit itself. The affected spouses — not just those "chained to the desk" — reported a higher rate of estrangement, both physically and emotionally, which ends up leaving the both of them awash in negativity, ambivalence and apathy. Not exactly factors for a healthy life together.

3. 
   

   Sixty-plus work-hour weeks are not uncommon:

   In fact, over 10 million Americans have to keep such grueling hours, though admittedly clinical workaholism isn't always the motivating factor. But considering the fact that the United States is "the only developed nation without mandatory vacation time," even those more concerned with economics than satiating compulsions still have to suffer similar filial, emotional, mental and even physical side effects. Some of these people, unfortunately, serve beneath the tutelage of control freak workaholics and end up forced into the very same patterns if they hope to keep their jobs.

4. 
   

   The average amount of hours worked per week is steadily increasing:

   Between 1970 and 2006, the average number of hours in a working year skyrocketed by 200! What makes workaholism such a difficult issue to address is the fact that it's one of the only addictions where sufferers receive rewards and validation. Being perceived as a "go-getter" and financial compensation both legitimize such behavior in a way denied alcoholics and drug addicts, though the effects of workaholism might very well prove almost (or just) as physiologically and psychologically destructive. Until the corporate world starts taking the issue seriously — which it won't, because PROFITS! — families across America just might start seeing Mommy and Daddy putting in even more time at the office as time ticks forward.

5. 
   

   Workaholics have a higher rate of heart disease:

   Although a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed the effects of workaholism on the body using British, Finnish and French subjects, what it discovered impacts the career-minded worldwide. Individuals working 11 hours a day or more suffer from 67% chance of coronary heart disease than those with about seven or eight. Ten hour days saw an increase of 45% — and it's easy to see the correlation. Exhaustion, poor sleeping habits, minimal exercise, stress, a compromised diet and other hallmarks of overwork all contribute to the startling statistics. In Japan, a phenomenon known as karoshi sees workaholics drop dead of heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms and other medical conditions stemming directly from their professional habits.

6. 
   

   Lunch breaks are (voluntarily!) shrinking:

   Huffington Post conducted an informal poll taking a look at how respondents used up their lunch hours — and the results proved rather depressing. Around 60% said they spend 20 minutes or less eating, and 20% take 10 minutes or less, and a further 25% reported never even bother leaving their desks. At least 75% of participants say they eat lunch at their desk around two to three days per week, though whether or not their reasons were entirely workaholic in nature remain unclear. After all, they could just sit there and watch Hulu while noshing on Lean Cuisine.

7. 
   

   Workaholics perceive time differently:

   Once again, studies from abroad still speak volumes about workaholism's American impact. Statistics Canada reports that 86% of self-identified workaholics feel like they have to rush through their day, compared to 73% of their more low-key peers. It also discovered that they are more likely to think they haven't accomplished much throughout their day, with 56% reporting as such. Only 44% of non-workaholics made the same claim. When it comes to time management, 56% of workaholics don't believe they have a sufficient amount of fun, and 1/3 of affected Canadians are putting forth more of an effort to slow themselves down over the next year.

8. 
   

   More severe workaholics can't even relax on vacation without getting sick:

   Researchers in The Netherlands recognize a rare but serious condition they like to call "leisure sickness." Roughly 3% of workaholics succumb to its grip, which can include anything from migraines and headaches to exhaustion and an overall flu-like feeling. And it happens on vacation, while they're making an honest effort to relax. Their bodies grow so accustomed to the stress that the very act of alleviating it leads to physiological discomfort! Such a phenomenon obviously occurs outside The Netherlands, along with "weekend headaches." An estimated 1/3 of migraines and 1/6 of tension headaches come about because of the body's inability to enjoy its time off.

9. 
   

   Workaholics Anonymous hosts around one thousand members:

   Yes, a 12-step program exists to help individuals afflicted with workaholism slough off their addiction. At least 50 different recovery communities exist worldwide, congregating either in person, online or over the phone. It launched in 1983, well before the mainstream media started dissecting the workaholism phenomenon. Today, about one thousand people take advantage of the organization's offerings.

10. 
    

    Workaholics are more likely to suffer a job-related injury or illness:

    It really is common sense here. The more time one spends working, the more susceptible he or she is to end up sick or injured as a result. Chronic overtimers face a 61% increased risk over those without such habits. Anyone working 12 or more hours a day is 37% more vulnerable, and faces a 23% increase at 60 or more hours a week. Jobs requiring overtime are 38% more likely to see an employee succumb to injury or illness than their more low-demand counterparts.

Taken From Insurance Quotes