Addiction to Work: Analyzing the Impact of Workaholism on Entrepreneurs’ Well-Being and Performance during COVID-19

Abstract

Workaholism is widely discussed in the mainstream literature. However, to date, few researchers have examined the effect of workaholism on entrepreneurs’ well-being and performance during times of global crisis. This research draws on data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey (GUESSS) 2021 and uses a sample of active student entrepreneurs (N = 257). It uses role theory as the conceptual framework to examine the impact of workaholism on active entrepreneurs’ well-being and performance during COVID-19. The study utilized structural equation modelling to test the effect of the two subdimensions of workaholism — (1) working compulsively and (2) working excessively — on well-being and performance. We test our hypotheses in the Saudi Arabian startup community as an examination of how these constructs operate within a Middle Eastern cultural context during the pandemic. Our results strongly challenge the idea that workaholism may have only harmful consequences and emphasize that workaholics are energized by their work and work accomplishments, reinforcing a sense of well-being and better perceived performance, especially during COVID-19.