Why Workaholics May Not Be Team Players

July 26, 2026 - 20:50

For many workaholics, the drive to do more comes from a genuine sense of duty. But new research suggests that this intense focus on individual output often backfires in a team setting. The core problem is a mismatch in perception: workaholics tend to overestimate how much responsibility they actually carry, and this skewed view can damage their relationships with colleagues.

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that workaholics frequently believe they are doing more than their fair share, even when objective measures show otherwise. This "overperception of responsibility" leads them to feel resentful or underappreciated. In turn, they may withdraw from collaborative efforts, hoard tasks, or become critical of coworkers who they perceive as less dedicated. The irony is clear: the very behavior meant to contribute to the team's success actually undermines trust and cooperation.

The research also highlights that this dynamic is not just about hours logged. It is about the emotional toll. Workaholics often sacrifice informal social interactions and emotional support for the sake of productivity. Over time, this erodes the social glue that makes teams effective. Colleagues may view the workaholic as a martyr or a bottleneck, rather than a reliable partner. The takeaway for managers is to watch for signs of this imbalance and encourage a culture where contribution is measured by collaboration, not just by the number of hours worked or tasks completed alone.