What do you think?
Rate this book
Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World: A Guide to Work-Life Balance
A step-by-step guide to reestablishing work-life balance
Americans love a hard worker. The employee who toils eighteen-hour days and eats meals on the run between appointments is usually viewed with a combination of respect and awe. But for many, this lifestyle leads to family problems, a decline in work productivity, and, ultimately, physical and mental burnout. Intended for anyone touched by what Robinson calls “the best-dressed problem of the twenty-first century,” Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World provides an inside look at the impact of work stress on those who live and work with workaholics—partners, spouses, children, and colleagues—as well as the appropriate techniques for clinicians who treat them.
This groundbreaking book builds on the research included in three previous editions of Chained to the Desk from the best-selling author and widely respected family therapist Bryan E. Robinson. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of working from home, Robinson finds that the agonies of work stress have only become more challenging. Recent years have seen an unprecedented shift to remote work, which has made it significantly harder to maintain the already delicate work-life balance, weakened as it is by smartphones and other technology. The result is that many workaholics are more stressed and burnt out than ever before in their work, despite being constantly in the presence of family. Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World both counsels and consoles. It provides a step-by-step guide to help readers spot, understand, and ultimately recover from workaholism.
Americans love a hard worker. The employee who toils eighteen-hour days and eats meals on the run between appointments is usually viewed with a combination of respect and awe. But for many, this lifestyle leads to family problems, a decline in work productivity, and, ultimately, physical and mental burnout. Intended for anyone touched by what Robinson calls “the best-dressed problem of the twenty-first century,” Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World provides an inside look at the impact of work stress on those who live and work with workaholics—partners, spouses, children, and colleagues—as well as the appropriate techniques for clinicians who treat them.
This groundbreaking book builds on the research included in three previous editions of Chained to the Desk from the best-selling author and widely respected family therapist Bryan E. Robinson. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of working from home, Robinson finds that the agonies of work stress have only become more challenging. Recent years have seen an unprecedented shift to remote work, which has made it significantly harder to maintain the already delicate work-life balance, weakened as it is by smartphones and other technology. The result is that many workaholics are more stressed and burnt out than ever before in their work, despite being constantly in the presence of family. Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World both counsels and consoles. It provides a step-by-step guide to help readers spot, understand, and ultimately recover from workaholism.
- GenresNonfiction
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2026
As a member of the “Around the year 52 Book Reading Community, Books You Must Read Before You Die,” I approached Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World expecting another discussion on productivity and work habits, but what I encountered was far deeper and more human than I anticipated.
This book does not simply critique long working hours, it gently reveals how modern work culture has quietly reshaped identity itself. It shows how people begin to measure their worth not by who they are, but by how constantly they are available, how quickly they respond, and how much they sacrifice in the name of responsibility. What struck me most was how invisible this transformation often is. Many individuals do not even realize they are living in a state of imbalance until burnout becomes unavoidable.
The emotional weight of the book comes from its attention to relationships. It carefully illustrates how families are affected when one person becomes consumed by work. The absence is not always physical, often, it is emotional. A parent may be sitting at the dinner table, yet mentally answering emails. A partner may be present in the home, yet distant in attention. These subtle realities are what make the book so powerful and unsettling.
At the same time, the book is not hopeless. It does not condemn ambition or hard work. Instead, it encourages awareness and gradual change. It acknowledges that modern life is complex and that breaking patterns requires patience, not guilt. I finished this book with a quiet sense of reflection, feeling as though I had been gently guided to reconsider how I structure my own time and attention.
This book does not simply critique long working hours, it gently reveals how modern work culture has quietly reshaped identity itself. It shows how people begin to measure their worth not by who they are, but by how constantly they are available, how quickly they respond, and how much they sacrifice in the name of responsibility. What struck me most was how invisible this transformation often is. Many individuals do not even realize they are living in a state of imbalance until burnout becomes unavoidable.
The emotional weight of the book comes from its attention to relationships. It carefully illustrates how families are affected when one person becomes consumed by work. The absence is not always physical, often, it is emotional. A parent may be sitting at the dinner table, yet mentally answering emails. A partner may be present in the home, yet distant in attention. These subtle realities are what make the book so powerful and unsettling.
At the same time, the book is not hopeless. It does not condemn ambition or hard work. Instead, it encourages awareness and gradual change. It acknowledges that modern life is complex and that breaking patterns requires patience, not guilt. I finished this book with a quiet sense of reflection, feeling as though I had been gently guided to reconsider how I structure my own time and attention.
April 10, 2026
From the perspective of our reading community, Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World feels like a mirror held up to the modern working world, one that many people may not be ready to look into, but absolutely need to.
The book carefully explores how the rise of hybrid and remote work, especially after the pandemic, has blurred the boundaries between home and office in ways we are still learning to understand. While flexibility was once seen as a gift, the author shows how it has also created an environment where work never truly ends. There is no longer a clear “leaving the office” moment, because the office now exists everywhere.
What makes the book especially impactful is its psychological depth. It does not treat workaholism as simple overcommitment, it frames it as a pattern shaped by culture, expectation, and emotional reinforcement. Many people, the book suggests, are rewarded for their overwork before they even realize the cost. Praise, promotion, and admiration often mask the slow erosion of personal well-being.
Reading this within our 52-book journey, I found myself thinking not only about individuals, but about systems. The book raises important questions about what modern success actually demands from people, and whether those demands are sustainable. It left me with a sense of quiet discomfort, not because it exaggerates, but because it does not.
Ultimately, it is a deeply thoughtful work that encourages readers to pause and examine the structure of their daily lives. It does not offer quick fixes. Instead, it offers awareness, and sometimes, awareness is the first form of change.
The book carefully explores how the rise of hybrid and remote work, especially after the pandemic, has blurred the boundaries between home and office in ways we are still learning to understand. While flexibility was once seen as a gift, the author shows how it has also created an environment where work never truly ends. There is no longer a clear “leaving the office” moment, because the office now exists everywhere.
What makes the book especially impactful is its psychological depth. It does not treat workaholism as simple overcommitment, it frames it as a pattern shaped by culture, expectation, and emotional reinforcement. Many people, the book suggests, are rewarded for their overwork before they even realize the cost. Praise, promotion, and admiration often mask the slow erosion of personal well-being.
Reading this within our 52-book journey, I found myself thinking not only about individuals, but about systems. The book raises important questions about what modern success actually demands from people, and whether those demands are sustainable. It left me with a sense of quiet discomfort, not because it exaggerates, but because it does not.
Ultimately, it is a deeply thoughtful work that encourages readers to pause and examine the structure of their daily lives. It does not offer quick fixes. Instead, it offers awareness, and sometimes, awareness is the first form of change.
April 10, 2026
As part of the “Books You Must Read Before You Die” reading community, I often encounter books that discuss success, discipline, and performance. However, Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World stands apart because it asks a different and far more important question: at what cost?
This book explores the hidden emotional consequences of work addiction in a way that feels both respectful and deeply human. It pays special attention to those who are often overlooked in productivity discussions, family members, partners, and colleagues who live in the shadow of someone else’s relentless work habits.
One of the most moving aspects of the book is its depiction of emotional absence. It explains how workaholism does not always look like chaos or crisis. Sometimes it looks like stability on the surface, steady income, professional success, even admiration from others, while underneath, relationships slowly weaken. The book captures this quiet deterioration with remarkable sensitivity.
What I appreciated most was the absence of judgment. The tone is not accusatory. Instead, it feels like a conversation with someone who understands how easy it is to fall into these patterns. It recognizes that most people do not begin with imbalance intentionally, it develops gradually, often disguised as dedication or responsibility.
By the end of the book, I felt a strong sense of awareness about how modern life rewards constant availability. It made me reconsider what it truly means to be productive, and whether productivity should ever come at the expense of presence, rest, and emotional connection.
This book explores the hidden emotional consequences of work addiction in a way that feels both respectful and deeply human. It pays special attention to those who are often overlooked in productivity discussions, family members, partners, and colleagues who live in the shadow of someone else’s relentless work habits.
One of the most moving aspects of the book is its depiction of emotional absence. It explains how workaholism does not always look like chaos or crisis. Sometimes it looks like stability on the surface, steady income, professional success, even admiration from others, while underneath, relationships slowly weaken. The book captures this quiet deterioration with remarkable sensitivity.
What I appreciated most was the absence of judgment. The tone is not accusatory. Instead, it feels like a conversation with someone who understands how easy it is to fall into these patterns. It recognizes that most people do not begin with imbalance intentionally, it develops gradually, often disguised as dedication or responsibility.
By the end of the book, I felt a strong sense of awareness about how modern life rewards constant availability. It made me reconsider what it truly means to be productive, and whether productivity should ever come at the expense of presence, rest, and emotional connection.
April 10, 2026
As a member of the “Around the year 52 Book Reading Community, Books You Must Read Before You Die,” I consider Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World one of the most quietly powerful books in our collection.
It does not rely on dramatic storytelling or emotional exaggeration. Instead, its strength lies in its honesty. It carefully examines how modern work culture encourages people to stretch themselves beyond healthy limits, often without realizing the long-term consequences.
The book is especially effective in highlighting how workaholism is socially reinforced. People who overwork are often praised for their dedication, reliability, and ambition. Yet beneath that praise, there can be exhaustion, disconnection, and emotional strain. The book gently exposes this contradiction without blaming individuals for participating in it.
One of the most thought-provoking ideas in the book is that many people believe they are managing work well simply because they are functioning. However, functioning is not the same as thriving. The difference between the two is subtle but significant, and the book helps readers recognize that distinction more clearly.
What stayed with me most was its emphasis on awareness rather than guilt. It does not ask readers to reject their careers or ambitions. Instead, it asks them to reconsider balance, to think about what it means to live a life that is not entirely consumed by professional demands.
By the final pages, I felt a quiet shift in perspective. Not a dramatic change, but a thoughtful one, the kind that lingers and slowly influences how you move through your daily life.
It does not rely on dramatic storytelling or emotional exaggeration. Instead, its strength lies in its honesty. It carefully examines how modern work culture encourages people to stretch themselves beyond healthy limits, often without realizing the long-term consequences.
The book is especially effective in highlighting how workaholism is socially reinforced. People who overwork are often praised for their dedication, reliability, and ambition. Yet beneath that praise, there can be exhaustion, disconnection, and emotional strain. The book gently exposes this contradiction without blaming individuals for participating in it.
One of the most thought-provoking ideas in the book is that many people believe they are managing work well simply because they are functioning. However, functioning is not the same as thriving. The difference between the two is subtle but significant, and the book helps readers recognize that distinction more clearly.
What stayed with me most was its emphasis on awareness rather than guilt. It does not ask readers to reject their careers or ambitions. Instead, it asks them to reconsider balance, to think about what it means to live a life that is not entirely consumed by professional demands.
By the final pages, I felt a quiet shift in perspective. Not a dramatic change, but a thoughtful one, the kind that lingers and slowly influences how you move through your daily life.
April 10, 2026
As a member of the “Around the year 52 Book Reading Community, Books You Must Read Before You Die,” I consider Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World one of the most quietly powerful books in our collection.
It does not rely on dramatic storytelling or emotional exaggeration. Instead, its strength lies in its honesty. It carefully examines how modern work culture encourages people to stretch themselves beyond healthy limits, often without realizing the long-term consequences.
The book is especially effective in highlighting how workaholism is socially reinforced. People who overwork are often praised for their dedication, reliability, and ambition. Yet beneath that praise, there can be exhaustion, disconnection, and emotional strain. The book gently exposes this contradiction without blaming individuals for participating in it.
One of the most thought-provoking ideas in the book is that many people believe they are managing work well simply because they are functioning. However, functioning is not the same as thriving. The difference between the two is subtle but significant, and the book helps readers recognize that distinction more clearly.
What stayed with me most was its emphasis on awareness rather than guilt. It does not ask readers to reject their careers or ambitions. Instead, it asks them to reconsider balance, to think about what it means to live a life that is not entirely consumed by professional demands.
By the final pages, I felt a quiet shift in perspective. Not a dramatic change, but a thoughtful on, the kind that lingers and slowly influences how you move through your daily life.
It does not rely on dramatic storytelling or emotional exaggeration. Instead, its strength lies in its honesty. It carefully examines how modern work culture encourages people to stretch themselves beyond healthy limits, often without realizing the long-term consequences.
The book is especially effective in highlighting how workaholism is socially reinforced. People who overwork are often praised for their dedication, reliability, and ambition. Yet beneath that praise, there can be exhaustion, disconnection, and emotional strain. The book gently exposes this contradiction without blaming individuals for participating in it.
One of the most thought-provoking ideas in the book is that many people believe they are managing work well simply because they are functioning. However, functioning is not the same as thriving. The difference between the two is subtle but significant, and the book helps readers recognize that distinction more clearly.
What stayed with me most was its emphasis on awareness rather than guilt. It does not ask readers to reject their careers or ambitions. Instead, it asks them to reconsider balance, to think about what it means to live a life that is not entirely consumed by professional demands.
By the final pages, I felt a quiet shift in perspective. Not a dramatic change, but a thoughtful on, the kind that lingers and slowly influences how you move through your daily life.
April 10, 2026
Within our reading community’s journey through 52 carefully selected books, Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World stands out as one of the most emotionally grounded reflections on modern life.
The book captures something many people feel but rarely articulate: the exhaustion that comes not just from working too much, but from never fully disconnecting. In a world of smartphones, emails, and remote work setups, the boundaries that once protected personal life have become increasingly fragile.
What I found especially compelling was how the book frames this issue as a gradual shift rather than a sudden problem. Workaholism is not presented as a dramatic downfall, but as a slow normalization of imbalance. Over time, what once felt like “too much” begins to feel “normal,” and that normalization is where the real concern lies.
The emotional tone of the book is steady and compassionate. It does not attempt to frighten the reader. Instead, it encourages reflection. It gently asks readers to notice patterns in their own behavior, how often they check messages outside work hours, how often they feel unable to truly rest, and how often personal time becomes secondary.
I found this approach particularly effective because it respects the reader’s autonomy. Rather than prescribing rigid solutions, it encourages small, realistic adjustments that can gradually restore balance.
This is not just a book about work, it is a book about reclaiming time, attention, and emotional presence in a world that constantly demands more of all three.
The book captures something many people feel but rarely articulate: the exhaustion that comes not just from working too much, but from never fully disconnecting. In a world of smartphones, emails, and remote work setups, the boundaries that once protected personal life have become increasingly fragile.
What I found especially compelling was how the book frames this issue as a gradual shift rather than a sudden problem. Workaholism is not presented as a dramatic downfall, but as a slow normalization of imbalance. Over time, what once felt like “too much” begins to feel “normal,” and that normalization is where the real concern lies.
The emotional tone of the book is steady and compassionate. It does not attempt to frighten the reader. Instead, it encourages reflection. It gently asks readers to notice patterns in their own behavior, how often they check messages outside work hours, how often they feel unable to truly rest, and how often personal time becomes secondary.
I found this approach particularly effective because it respects the reader’s autonomy. Rather than prescribing rigid solutions, it encourages small, realistic adjustments that can gradually restore balance.
This is not just a book about work, it is a book about reclaiming time, attention, and emotional presence in a world that constantly demands more of all three.
November 9, 2022
I am giving this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. "Chained to the Desk: is an excellent book on explaining to any layperson the effects (both clinically and socially) on what workaholism can do to a person, and their loved ones. The book provides substantial information that clearly articulates what the symptoms look like, and what can be done to combat it. The stories in this book from other workaholics prove that anybody can be a workaholic, even celebrities who you would like to have the "perfect life"
Even though overworking is very common in our society, and even encouraged, this book is encouraging in the way that it proves that you don't have to overwork yourself, to be the "best" and that if you are overworking yourself you should consider why, and how to stop it.
With all of that being said the reason this book is 4.5 and not a full 5 stars is that I have read books like this before, which poses the question what makes this book different then the others in this category. If this was the first book that somebody read about overworking and workaholism, then I think it would be a really well round read for somebody, however if somebody had read other books on this topic then it would be a very boring read.
Even though overworking is very common in our society, and even encouraged, this book is encouraging in the way that it proves that you don't have to overwork yourself, to be the "best" and that if you are overworking yourself you should consider why, and how to stop it.
With all of that being said the reason this book is 4.5 and not a full 5 stars is that I have read books like this before, which poses the question what makes this book different then the others in this category. If this was the first book that somebody read about overworking and workaholism, then I think it would be a really well round read for somebody, however if somebody had read other books on this topic then it would be a very boring read.
January 17, 2023
While we could all agree that being a workaholic isn't a good thing. But it's common now to give, give, give to your employer. We need to stop doing this. We can be successful, even when realizing that at the end of the day our family and friends will be what matters. Not sure you're a workaholic? This book will help you recognize the signs. I thought this book was well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
A textbook take on Workaholism and Self-Care
I loved a little more than half of this book and the other half fell a flat for me. Not because it wasn’t well written, but more so because I’ve read/heard it so many times before. However if you are new to the idea of workaholism and radical self-care then I recommend you start here because the author covers it all! If this isn’t a new topic for you a lot of it may feel more like a refresher with some nice anecdotes from well known celebrity figures.
I loved a little more than half of this book and the other half fell a flat for me. Not because it wasn’t well written, but more so because I’ve read/heard it so many times before. However if you are new to the idea of workaholism and radical self-care then I recommend you start here because the author covers it all! If this isn’t a new topic for you a lot of it may feel more like a refresher with some nice anecdotes from well known celebrity figures.
December 17, 2022
A thought provoking and informative book about workaholism and how it impacts us. It's an eye opener and a book that challenge a lot of our ideas about work and the role in out life.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
June 2, 2024
Helpful book! I felt that the content could be condensed a bit but overall got a lot out of it.
May 4, 2026
Good lessons here that took a while to get to, somewhat relatable!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews