Workaholism, which is usually considered as a negative addiction, may actually be good as it can lead to lead to positive outcomes for individuals, business and society, researchers say. A Rouen Business School professor, Yehuda Baruch, disputed that workaholism should not be automatically dismissed as a vice.

Baruch said that literature on workaholism depicts it as a negative phenomenon, associated with high levels of stress at work and home and interfering with work-life balance.

But empirical research also shows that workaholics are likely to display vigour and dedication, rather than exhaustion and cynicism, the Independent reported.

Professor Baruch compared work addiction to a chocolate addiction arguing that there are some health benefits to be gained by eating chocolate, it energizes people and generates a good feeling.

Likewise, workaholics are energized by their work and their achievements reinforce a sense of well-being.

He asserted that unless workaholism causes significant damage to employees’ health, it may best be left to them to decide how much work they are willing to carry out.

The study has been published in Career Development International.