Why Most Workers Identify As Workaholics, Despite Knowing the Health Risks of Extra Hours

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Monster.

As conversations about burnout and work-life balance continue, long hours remain common across the workforce. Monster’s Workaholics Report finds that for many full-time employees, working beyond 40 hours per week is not the exception but the norm. In fact, most workers now describe themselves as at least somewhat workaholic.

Based on a national survey of more than 800 full-time workers, the findings suggest that overwork is often shaped by workplace culture and expectations, even when it does not improve performance.

While long hours are widely accepted, the personal and professional costs are difficult to ignore.

Key findings

Workaholism is widespread: 76% of full-time workers consider themselves at least somewhat workaholic and 45% say they are definitely workaholic
Long hours are normalized: 73% of workers report regularly working more than 40 hours per week
Extra hours do not equal better work: 80% of workers say that working beyond 40 hours does not improve the quality of their work
Culture influences overwork: Nearly half of workers (47%) say employer expectations or company culture are the top reasons they overwork
Burnout affects health and life: 85% of workers report negative mental or physical health impacts from overworking

Workaholism is now part of normal work life

Work hours are getting longer, and for many workers, the label workaholic is not seen as a negative. According to Monster’s report, most people are putting in more hours than the traditional 40-hour workweek, and many do not see that as a problem.

In the survey, 76% of workers said they are at least somewhat workaholic. This includes 45% who said they are definitely workaholic.

When asked how they would feel if someone called them a workaholic, nearly two-thirds said the label would feel positive or neutral. 35% said they would feel complimented, 27% respected, and 38% neutral about the term. Far fewer said they would feel insulted or disrespected.

This suggests that overwork has become more socially accepted, even when it is linked to stress and burnout.

Most workers exceed 40 hours per week

Working longer hours has become standard for many. When asked about their typical weekly hours worked, here’s what workers reported:

35-39 hours: 11%
40 hours: 16%
41-45 hours: 22%
46-50 hours: 18%
51-55 hours: 11%
56-60 hours: 11%
more than 60 hours: 11%

That means nearly three-quarters of workers report working more than a standard 40-hour week.

Why overtime has become common

The reasons workers cite for overworking point to culture and expectations more than personal choice. Here’s how workers responded when asked about what triggers workaholic tendencies:

Employer expectations or company culture: 47%
Personal ambition or desire for advancement: 44%
Lack of boundaries between work and personal life: 31%
Financial pressures: 28%
Fear of job loss or layoffs: 25%

This mix of external and internal drivers shows that many workers feel pressure from the work environment itself as well as their own goals.

Longer hours do not boost productivity for most

A key finding from the report is that longer hours are not linked to better work quality. Among workers who go beyond a 40-hour week:

64% say their quality of work stays the same
16% say their quality of work declines
20% say quality improves

This suggests that extra hours may not deliver the value many workers believe they will get by putting in more time.

Overwork has real consequences

Even though long hours may feel normal, the impact on workers is significant. When asked about the effects of overworking:

50% reported mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, or burnout
49% reported physical health impacts including disrupted sleep or reduced exercise
39% said their personal relationships suffered
Only 15% said they experienced no negative impact

More than one-third of workers (38%) also said they feel very or extremely pressured to be available outside scheduled work hours.

What job seekers and workers should know

If you are entering, reentering, or advancing in the workforce, this report highlights several important trends:

Be clear on expectations: Before accepting a role, ask about typical hours and what worklife balance looks like. If the culture values constant availability, know how that may affect your schedule.
Set boundaries: If overwork is normalized in your workplace, identify the moments you can protect your personal time and communicate boundaries clearly.
Focus on results: If extra hours are not improving your output, consider what goals or performance signals matter most to your team and employer.
Assess your own priorities: Work that feels meaningful is valuable but not at the expense of health or relationships. Know what tradeoffs you are willing to make.

Bottom line

Long hours and workaholic habits are now common for many workers. While being dedicated to your job can be positive, working more hours does not necessarily improve performance and can negatively affect health and life outside work.

Understanding how overwork influences your career and what you can control may help you find greater balance in your professional life.

Methodology

The findings in this report are based on a survey conducted by Monster in October 2025 among 807 U.S. workers employed full-time.

Participants answered a mix of yes/no, single‑selection, and multiple‑choice questions about their experience with overwork and the impact on productivity, health, and personal life.

The sample included workers across a range of industries, age groups, genders, and education levels to reflect the diversity of the U.S. workforce.