From stagnant productivity levels to increased depression, these workaholic tendencies are bad for all of us. This level of exhaustion can have some dangerous consequences. Another 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes. A 2018 Gallup study of almost 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% of respondents felt burned out at work very often or always. That’s probably why the tales of persistent burnout are so prevalent. But what’s even scarier is that it’s not even capturing the psychological aspect-it doesn’t touch on the people who might not be actively working, but whose thoughts are still consumed by their career obligations. One CareerBuilder survey shows that 45% of us work outside of normal office hours, and another 49% of us answer emails when we leave work. In today’s society where the “hustle” is so glorified and “busy” is a badge of honor, most of us are obsessed with work. Work On The Brain: Why It’s A Problemįirst of all, take comfort in the fact that you aren’t alone. But your brain? It’s the hardest working employee there is-it’s always clocked in.
Sure, your body might have left the office right on schedule.
You’ll brainstorm while you shampoo your hair in the shower. You’ll check your emails when you’re in line at your favorite takeout restaurant. You’ll mentally run through your pending tasks while you walk your dog. If you’re like me, you’re anything but checked out. You shut down your computer, grab the used coffee cups from your desk, and head home.