The Relationship between Workaholism, Burnout and Personality: A Literature Review
Objectives This paper reviews and summarizes the literature on personality traits associated with workaholism and burnout, using the Five Factors Model (FFM) of personality. Methods We searched among PsycINFO Database and Google Scholar web search engine to identify relevant articles and studies on workaholism, burnout and personality. Results The first part of this paper defines each concept individually, focussing on personal, environmental and organizational factors associated with workaholism and burnout. We also explore the impact on family, social and professional life. In the second part, results suggest that neuroticism, a personality trait, is associated with workaholism and burnout. Conscientiousness, agreeableness and extraversion also appear to have a significant but specific effects on burnout and workaholism. Conclusion It appears desirable for personal and organizational health, to explore specific factors of work-related illness, like personality traits. Implications for employee well-being and organizational health are discussed.