Dive Brief:
- The majority of full-time workers in an 800-person survey conducted by Monster said they’re “at least somewhat workaholic,” with at least 45% saying they’re “definitely workaholic.”
- Half of respondents (47%) said their company’s culture was a top reason for overworking in Monster’s State of the Workweek 2026 report.
- The majority of respondents (80%) said working more than 40 hours a week does not improve the quality of their work.
Dive Insight:
Burnout continues to be an ongoing issue for workers. Remote and hybrid employees, for example, have juggled professional and personal demands during their 9-to-5 schedules, with child care woes straining their mental health.
Stressful conditions have also been pervasive for front-line workers; one report suggested that one-third of front-line workers are more likely to suffer anxiety, and about two-thirds are more likely to suffer from depression.
Likewise, at least half of respondents told Monster they had negative health effects from overworking: 50% of workers reported overwork’s mental health impacts, like anxiety and burnout, and 49% reported physical health impacts, including disrupted sleep or reduced exercise.
One of the top reasons that overwork happens is company culture, according to about half of Monster survey-takers. A little less than half said that personal ambition and desire for advancement contributed to their overwork, with 31% blaming a lack of boundaries between work and personal life.
Financial reasons and potential layoffs were also factors in respondents’ overworking, with 28% citing financial pressure and a quarter citing fear of job loss.
In light of these findings, Monster recommended best practices that HR and recruiters can keep in mind: “Be clear on expectations,” “set boundaries,” and “focus on results.”