WORKAHOLIC COLONY
The late Vehbi Koç, founder of Koç Holding, also visited Vienna during his first trip to Europe in 1931. While there, he made an appointment with one of the famous doctors of the time, Prof. Epinger, and asked for a thorough examination. Koç described the visit in his book as follows: “After asking me a series of questions like Judgment Day inquiries, Prof. Epinger examined me and made this diagnosis: ‘You’ve overworked your brain since a young age, but your body hasn’t been active. Because of the imbalance, your nerves are affected. There’s nothing wrong with your heart or lungs. I won’t even prescribe medicine. I have two recommendations: if you follow them, you’ll recover. If not, you’ll be bedridden, or worse, go insane. One is horseback riding, the other is hunting. It’s your choice, but you must do one.’” Upon returning to Ankara, Koç made his choice and started horseback riding: “As I rode more, my morale improved, my cheer returned, and I started performing better at work.” His health worries disappeared, and he began to feel more energetic and well. In later chapters of his book, while advising “managers,” he shared the following thoughts: “To maintain one’s health, four elements must be balanced: work, entertainment, rest, and sports. None should be overdone or neglected. I’ve seen many friends suffer health issues from losing that balance.”
HOW DID THE TERM "WORKAHOLIC" ORIGINATE?
At that time, the term “workaholic” wasn’t yet in use. However, Vehbi Koç had been working hard since his father ran a grocery store, always striving for new business opportunities. In fact, the doctor’s diagnosis already encompassed the concept of “workaholism.” If it were the 1970s, Prof. Epinger might have diagnosed him as a workaholic, a term coined in 1971 by American psychologist Wayne E. Oates. In his book Confessions of a Workaholic, Oates defined it as “an uncontrollable need to work continuously.” Since then, the idea of "working a lot" has been welcomed for years in the business world. As one CEO noted, the “I work on weekends too” approach gained approval from employers. However, in recent years, the concept of being a “workaholic” has lost that positive image. With the rise of the “well-being at work” perspective, it’s now viewed more critically. “Workaholism” or “work dependency” is a growing global reality. Research supports this trend. According to a study by psychologist Audrey McGibbon, founder of EEK&Sence, 12–15% of the world’s population suffers from this issue. Mind Health Solutions estimates the global “overworked” rate at 17.5%.
UNFORTUNATELY, I WAS A WORKAHOLIC!
According to a global report by Slack, conducted with over 10,000 employees, 37% considered themselves workaholics. They even reported working after hours at least one day a week. Turan Erdoğan, who recently retired as CEO of Vestel, is among that 37%. “Unfortunately, a significant part of my career was spent at a pace that could be defined as workaholic,” he admits. “Especially during Vestel’s international expansion period, I traveled extensively. At the time, that pace felt normal—even necessary. I also pushed my team to keep up.” Looking back, Erdoğan says he realizes he missed out on some things: “Still, I have no regrets. It was necessary at the time, and I take pride in the positive outcomes.” İş Bankası Chairman Adnan Bali makes a critical observation about those with such intense focus: “Such single-minded individuals, over time, unfortunately fail to create other interests, deeper connections, family peace, or friendships. They become unknowingly dull and monotonous. They fail to nourish themselves with life’s flavors beyond business, and this hinders their contribution to work.”
BAHAR UÇANLAR: ATTACHED OR ADDICTED?
Diageo Turkey CEO Bahar Uçanlar is on the opposite side of the spectrum. “I’ve never considered myself a workaholic,” she says. “To me, being a workaholic means being addicted. You place work above everything else. I’ve always avoided that, though I’ve always worked intensively. During my consultancy years, I once worked from 7 AM to 2 AM for six straight months.” McGibbon Consulting’s research notes that the most effective leaders work an average of 52 hours per week. Those working 70+ hours are deemed “less efficient.” “Working over 55 hours is a sign of work dependency.” Baymak CEO Ülkü Özcan falls into that 55+ hour category. “Honestly, I define myself as a workaholic,” she says. “I don’t love the word, but I consider myself someone who loves to work hard and create value. My work focus is always 100%. I’ve generally had a high work tempo. My colleagues often say I operate in 7th gear. Still, I believe achieving balance in business life is essential.”
WHEN HEALTH SPEAKS
WPP Turkey CEO Arzu Ünal defines herself as a perfectionist, part of a generation driven to complete tasks flawlessly. She constantly questions herself: “I’m highly self-critical… I don’t believe in good results without effort… My standards are high. That’s why I’ve always worked hard—at every career level. I did it willingly and passionately. I can easily say I was a workaholic.” According to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, those who work over 11 hours a day face a 67% higher risk of heart attack compared to those working 7–8 hours. Arzu Ünal’s health signals eventually pulled her away from workaholism: “When my body started signaling, I had to strike a balance between work, personal life, and myself. I still work hard, but I’m no longer a workaholic. Maintaining balance is harder than working a lot, but it’s a lesson worth learning—at any age.”
THE NEW GENERATION’S PACE
According to the Washington Examiner, overworking is increasing among younger generations. Research shows this affects 66% of millennials. 32% said they worked even while sitting in the bathroom, and 63% felt the need to be productive even when sick. Another study revealed that 39% of “digital natives” were willing to work during vacations. Barbaros Özbuğutu, founder of Iyzico and now Deba Ventures, says: “I wouldn’t call myself a full-blown workaholic, but I’m used to intense work and long hours. Especially during key project phases or investment rounds, I enter work-focused periods.” Still, he emphasizes the importance of work-life balance: “For me, maintaining this balance has always been crucial for long-term success. Working efficiently, setting priorities, and managing time help me avoid burnout—even during busy times.”
ADNAN BALİ – CHAIRMAN, İŞ BANK
“SUCCESS IS HARD FOR WORKAHOLICS”
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT PERIOD
I can’t define myself as a workaholic. Of course, during the early and middle stages of my career, especially with high-level responsibilities, I worked intensely.
THE CONCEPT OF WORKING HOURS
Even today, with increased digital accessibility, the concept of working hours has vanished.
PRIVATE LIFE MATTERS
But looking around me, I’ve seen real workaholics. Compared to them, I can’t label myself as one. I never truly neglected my family, spouse, children, personal interests, or vacations.
NO SUCCESS WITHOUT BALANCE
I don’t believe one can achieve lasting business success by sacrificing personal life. In such a tempo, either your family breaks down, your health deteriorates, or your career suffers.
NEGLECTING ONESELF
A person who neglects even their own family and self—how can they build meaningful, sustainable relationships with colleagues or clients? Such an approach can’t be widely accepted.
KEY STATISTICS
80 HOURS
According to Science Daily, even with long hours, workaholics have lower productivity. A project that a normal employee completes in 50 hours takes a workaholic 80 hours.
50%
Melissa Clark, founder of Healthy Work Lab and author of Never Not Working, says, “Data is hard to collect, but more than 50% of Americans define themselves as workaholics.” This rate rises to 70–75% among millennials.
1 IN 5
A Japanese government study found that 1 in 5 workers is at risk of death due to overworking.
40%
A study from Northern California University shows that divorce rates are 40% higher among workaholics compared to others. According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, “work dependency” ranks among the top 4 causes of divorce.
20%
Slack’s research shows that forcing employees to work after hours can reduce their daily productivity by up to 20%.
