Work hard, play hard…or maybe not: A look at the relationships between workaholism, work-leisure conflict, and work stress

Abstract

Relationships between workaholism, work-leisure conflict, and work stress were examined. The sample consisted of 339 working adults in the United States. Workaholism was positively correlated with work stress. Additionally, work leisure conflict was positively related to both workaholism and work stress. Moreover, though not a significant moderator, work-leisure conflict was a significant mediator between workaholism and work stress such that workaholism leads to increased work-leisure conflict, which in turn leads to heightened work stress. The results establish workaholism’s wide reach as it can also affect work stress through other variables, such as work-leisure conflict. Developing interventions for work-leisure conflict can especially help workaholics reduce their work stress, as they might find it easier than lowering their workaholic behaviors.