Personal outcomes of workaholism: A meta-analytic review

Over the past years, there has been significant growth in the number of studies on the personal outcomes of workaholism. At the same time, the need for data integration arose since the earlier reviews did not encompass the latest knowledge. Addressing this gap is crucial not only for employees but also for organizations seeking to maintain a healthy workforce while ensuring organizational efficiency. Hence, the purpose of the paper was to summarize research findings on personal outcomes of workaholism. A search was limited to references published before February 2024. Six online databases were used, with predefined study selection criteria guiding the search process. Out of 2,677 identified records, 81 studies were retained for meta-analysis. The results revealed that workaholism is related to impaired overall health, as well as to more specific aspects of psychological, physical and psychophysical health. In general, an exhaustive literature search produced the robust evidence that support the negative image of workaholism. The findings highlight the importance of workplace-focused interventions that prioritize employee well-being, particularly in light of the potential organizational consequences of workaholism-related health issues.