Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business--and How to Fix It

by Malissa Clark

The always-on hustle culture creates an unhealthy, counterproductive relationship with work. Many workers believe that to compete with other top talent they must embrace a culture that rewards long hours and constant connection to work. Businesses and society have encouraged this by endorsing busyness, overwork, and extreme commitment as the most valued traits in workers. Sometimes that endorsement is explicit, as when Elon Musk told Twitter employees to work "long hours at high intensity" or get fired. But more often it's an implicit contract, a buildup of organizational and cultural norms and the adoption of new technologies that increasingly make it easy to tether people to work. Either way, this workaholic behavior is unhealthy and counterproductive for workers and for organizations. It's time to fight back. Malissa Clark—the preeminent researcher on workaholic culture—shows you how in Never Not Working . Finally, a book that looks at overwork and burnout not just from the individual's perspective but from an organizational perspective, too. Clark delivers a comprehensive, nuanced definition of workaholism, busting myths along the way—such as the idea that the number of hours worked is the strongest predictor of workaholic tendencies. (It's not.) She also helps you see if you're creating workaholics in your organization or if you're falling prey to the phenomenon yourself. Clark shows you how to escape the trap of putting work at the center of everything and thus losing your well-being—or your company's performance—in the process. Deeply researched and written for everyone from leaders to individual contributors, Never Not Working is the essential guide to identifying workaholism in yourself and others and starting on the road to recovery.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Psychology, Audiobook, Leadership, Professional Development

224 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ironic thing about me reading this book right now is that I tend to think younger people are getting lazier than previous generations. What Clark did was remind me about aspects of our culture that exalt workaholics. It makes me wonder if younger generations are a pendulum swinging against the previous generation's vice. The book was helpful if you tend to overwork. I certainly was in this category and I can easily drift back into these tendencies. Overwork doesn't work--your less productive. We would do better to be engaged with our families and friends and work hard while we are at work with some logical brain breaks.

[Hanneleele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kuulasin seda valdavalt tööl olles (pühapäevahommikune kahetunnine "koristusaeg" kui külastajaid ei käi, aga ma pean tööl olema ajee), mis on minust väga efektiivne. Järeldus a) raamatukogu ei soosi vähemalt minul ülemäära tööhooliklust, ei julgustata peale tööpäeva lõppu tööl ega 24/7 kättesaadav olema, päris normaalne. Järeldus b) kõik oma vabakutseline jms mitte-kellaaegne töö tuleb küll selle pilguga läbi mõelda, et mitte innustada endas ja teistes teeme veel südaööselgi tööd kultuuri. Ehk siis palun tööasjus minu poole mitte pöörduda pärast õhtul kella ma ei tea kaheksat ja enne hommiku kella kümmet kui ei ole tõeline katastroof. Kuigi ma ikka püüan neid piire enda jaoks kehtestada, pigem lugesin teiste ümbritsevate inimeste pärast.

See raamat on mõneski mõttes suunatud üldse mitte töötajale endale, vaid tööandjale: juhtidele, ülemustele jt otsustajatele. Selle kõige olulisem point on minu arust, et kuigi kogu maailm innustab elustiili, kus kõik töötavad 24/7 ja töönarkomaania on justkui cool ja mõelda võib, et töönarkomaan on see tõeline kompanii maskott, kes teeb kõige rohkem, ta tegelikult ei pruugi olla hea töötaja ettevõtja/asutuse ega muidugi iseenda jaoks. Olla kogu aeg busy ei tähenda, et see oleks efektiivne (enamasti ei ole), teha üksi kõiki töid ei ole mõistlik, ning läbipõlemine on tohutult kulukas kõigi asjaosaliste jaoks kaasa arvatud tööandja ja ma ei tea, riik, haigekassa jms, keda Ameerikas muidugi ei koti. Aga selle raamatu suhtumine on pigem suunatudki neile otsustajatele, kellele on vaja pähe tampida, et tehke ometi ära reeglid selle kohta, et ei maksa öösel töökirju saata ja neljapäevane töönädal on tore ja puhkused on puhkamiseks ja vaja on sõnadest rohkemat (kui tööl on justkui eeskiri, aga keegi sellest kinni ei pea ja selle järgimisele vaadatakse viltu, siis sellest ei ole kasu, eks ole).

Samuti hakkasin mõtlema, olles viimase aasta-paari sees lugenud ja mõtelnud jne ATH temaatika peale, kas ja kui palju need omakorda üksteist soodustavad. Väga palju, mis siin toodi välja kui töönarkomaanilised kalduvused on asjad, mida ATH mulle tundub igatahes, et räigelt soodustaks: sõltuvuskäitumine (kui töö ongi sõltuvus, st töö tegemine annab eduelamuse ja siis tahab üha rohkem ja rohkem), võimetus seada prioriteete st kõik tundub kogu aeg kriitiline, isegi kui tegelikult on päris palju asju, mille tegemine kohe nüüd ja praegu ei ole elus kõige olulisem (ATHga on raskem nii asjade organiseerimine (tekib päriselt kriitilisi situatsioone) kui prioriteetide seadmine (kõik tundubki võrdselt oluline) kui kriitiliste situatsioonide loomine selleks, et tekitada see adrekalaks, mis aitab asja ära teha (kes meist ei oleks jätnud essee kirjutamist samale ööle))... Ja ma ei tea, pidev tööle mõtlemine on ka ilmselt lihtsam juhtuma, kui mõte nagunii hullu paneb. Samas muidugi võib töönarkomaan olla ka ülimalt organiseeritud, lihtsalt eee... minnes sellega liiga kaugele ja ainult ühes suunas. Üks näiteid siin oli keegi, kes optimeeris kogu oma päeva, et teha maksimaalselt tööd, ajastades isegi kempsus käimist jms.

Kuna see raamat on suunatud ennekõike neile, kel on võimuses töökultuuri ja -keskkonda muuta ja rõhutab seda, et ületöötamine pole lihtsalt indiviidide probleem vaid laiema kultuuri ja käitumise ja hinnangute ja väärtuste ja suhtumiste oma (nendes muidugi mängime me rolli me kõik, mitte ainult ülemused), siis see ei keskendu pikalt sellele, kuidas omaenda suhet tööga või töökäitumist parandada (kuigi näpunäiteid annab), mis on okei. Selle jaoks on kindlasti teisi raamatuid. Aga väärt lugemine, kui teema huvitab. Palju või isegi enamus on muidugi asjad, mida loogiliselt mõeldes isegi järeldaks, aga vahel on vaja, et keegi teine seda ütleks :)

Audioka ettelugeja hääl ei meeldinud.

[Lizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Advanced Reader Copy] Where was this book 25 years ago when I really needed it? After YEARS of overwork, workaholism and burnout -- I actually learned more from this book than anything else I've ever read on the subject. The author has really done her research and has lived it as well -- and it's not what you think it is. Well, partially, but overwork is so much more. The statistics are alarming and looking at overwork in other areas of the world (I'm looking at you China and Japan) were truly eye opening. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know but especially young ambitious females who need to know the effects of overwork sooner than later.

[Karin Künnapas · Rating 4 out of 5]

/Audiobook/

This is a very practical guide to understanding workaholic behavior on both the personal and organizational levels and how to manage and fix it.

I think it's common knowledge by now that workaholics are not more productive and better performers, but somehow the culture of overworking is still very prevalent in some fields. As I've been working with startups for over a decade, it was definitely in this sector, as people assumed that everyone is and has to be always on and responsive, and working as many hours as physically possible. I think there has been some change in that, but it hasn't disappeared.

The author describes both her personal experience as well as what she's learned from interviews and gives very practical ideas on how to keep an eye on the workaholic behavior, how to start fighting it, how to understand if a company that you're thinking of joining is promoting or fighting overworking and positive examples and advice in both cases.

I think it's a good read both as an employee as well as a manager to take care of yourself and your team.

[Ruta Alb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over a decade ago, I believed that the most important factor at work was "input"—specifically, the amount of time I dedicated. At that stage, it served me well, but as I progressed, I learned there's a better approach. This book explores that perspective, discussing how to recognize workaholic tendencies, the real value (or lack thereof) these behaviors bring, and how to address them both personally and within a company culture. It's a quick, engaging listen that resonated with me in some parts, while other parts felt less relatable. Overall, it's a great reminder of the importance of work-life balance.
So, what did I take from this book to myself?
I love me better now 🥰

[Aishwarya Gopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Never Not Working’ is a deeply relatable exploration of the modern work culture that blurs the lines between productivity and identity. While it speaks primarily from a U.S. corporate lens, its insights resonate globally.

In India, we do a 9–5 and then logging in again from 7:30PM–11 PM, almost everyday and brain never shuts!! Personal life balance is not in the dictionary.

The book validates that this isn’t just a personal struggle and it’s systemic. It left me reflecting not just on my habits, but on how the organizations we work for are often designed to reward burnout masked as dedication.

A must-read if you’re looking to question the culture of constant hustle and carve out space to just be.

[Allira]

Adam Grant rec

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

How I Came to Read This Book: I was at a leadership training seminar and this book was recommended - specifically as a way to manage burnout from juggling life with work. I listened to it on Spotify.

The Plot: Burnout is real, and it is bad, and it manifests itself in more ways than you can imagine. This book seeks to accurately identify what is workaholic behavior actually comprised of, how is it enabled by individuals and workplaces, and how workplaces can shift workaholic culture, and individuals can manage it independently.

The Good & The Bad: Let me say this: I never realized how critical the audiobook narration is until I got to this book. The woman reading this book 10,000% sounds like an AI bot, and it made it so hard to connect with the contents. I regularly found myself drifting because her voice just had zero personality or warmth.

But I will also say, I think this book was maybe just...not for me. I don't know that I've ever really read a nonfiction book without finding some parts of it really connect to something I'm grappling with or working through. But I'm not a workaholic, nor do I work for a workaholic culture company (and frankly in many ways, I don't know that I ever have...although I've worked *for* some workaholics). So a lot of this book kind of washed over me. I was hoping to get more insight on the work/life balance stuff that came up during my training, but that wasn't really the focus here. It was very targeted to true, hardcore workaholics (of which, I may be partnered to someone with this tendency).

And yet, I found the strategies a little soft for my liking, or ineffectual. The conclusion of the book talks a lot about "chip away at it and we can all make a difference" but those chips felt awfully tiny or in some ways, unrealistic and insurmountable. I guess there was a preaching to the choir element here which is why I didn't have lightbulb moments. Yes the 4-day workweek sounds like a dream. Yes it's totally appropriate and healthy to set boundaries for off-hours work. Yes as a leader I should model and direct by example.

I will say that, terrible narration aside, I am glad I consumed this as an audiobook, because I don't know that I would have gotten through the book on my own. It just felt like a bit of a slog that didn't give me the insight or action I was hoping for, compared to some really banging books I've listened to lately.

The Bottom Line: A not exactly effective look at workaholic syndrome; that might be best consumed by the truly hardcores among us.

Anything Memorable?: Oh I will say there were more than a few pings as I recognized behavior of my partner and some past leaders that echoed some of the notes as to "what is workaholicism".

2025 Book Challenge?: Book #46 in 2025

[Dimitri · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)

This book brings a good awareness on workaholism and how to combat it.

👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)

There are four main components of workaholism: behavioral, motivational, cognitive, and emotional. Each is necessary to identify it, but none is sufficient by itself to consider someone a workaholic.

• Behavioral: Excessive Working
• Motivational: Inner Compulsion to Work
• Cognitive: Constant Work Rumination
• Emotional: Negative Feelings When Not Working


⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)

From that point of view, these are four to-dos the organization must do to combat workaholism.
• Lower demands:Decrease work intensity and reset expectations on timelines and deadlines.
• Lower connectivity:Change norms related to how much workers are expected to be connected, when they are, and how responsive they’re expected to be.
• Increase control:Give employees the autonomy to decide key components of their job, such as when they will (and will not) work.
Increase support:Get leaders and supervisors to condone and reward non-workaholic behavior, both formally and informally.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

First half of the book is brilliant. Deep down, I believe most people have a good idea what workaholism looks like, but I appreciated how the first two chapters elaborated on beliefs and indicators of workaholism. The best part are the practical advice at the individual level that anybody can put into action.

The second half of the book which focused on addressing workaholism at an organizational level was more demotivating. I understand why it's included and see the value of stating that individual efforts can only do so much, but the more I read this the more I accepted that several industries (including my own) are most likely not ready for this shift. Likely, they will not be ready for a long time. Most if not all of the recommendations are hinging on key people with influence to address workaholism. So, I guess my best bet is to buy them this book and sneak it in their offices?

As a side note, I also enjoyed this book because it mentions the works and feedback of Brigid Schulte and Adam Grant. Huge admirers of both.

[Elizabeth Harrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Not Working is an eye-opening book that made me think of the culture of work in a completely different way. Take the short quiz to find out how much you struggle with workaholism, and what you can do about it. The results might surprise you!
The author successfully deconstructs modern work culture, highlighting many examples from organisations and personal stories where work has become more than simply a job... and it's more common and more insidious that you might think.
The book includes clear steps for leaders so they can evaluate and rework how they want their organisational cultures to be, but there is also enough in here for a reader who is not in a position to influence the whole set up of their office to be able to make personal changes.
If you take work home, or check emails on vacation, I would suggest you read this book and it might change how you decide to approach your job.

[Nastia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "always-on" culture, fueled by technology and societal pressure, harms individuals and organizations. It leads to burnout, poor mental health, and reduced productivity, while businesses face disengagement, higher turnover, and inefficiency. Clark highlights the need to prioritize work-life balance through boundary-setting, flexible policies, and leadership that models healthy habits.

For individuals, solutions include setting clear work boundaries, focusing on high-value tasks, and practicing mindfulness to recharge. Organizations must shift focus from hours worked to outcomes, fostering a culture that values well-being as much as productivity. By addressing the unsustainable always-on mindset, both employees and businesses can achieve greater satisfaction, efficiency, and success.

This book inspires me to think about my work-life ratio and what means a healthier, more balanced approach to work.

[lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

a well written book with data-backed methods of stopping overwork, both on the employee side AND on the employer side. as always, i am cynical that things are going to change widely on the side of the employers so i feel that most of the burden of change will continue to fall on the individual employees. if they are unable to make enough change to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, the failure is still seen on the part of the employee. they are not enough. they are not doing enough. take the PTO...but don't whine about being overwhelmed when you return to an inbox that is on fire.
a good read for those who need reminders/swift kicks in the butt when it comes to working too much. the effects of workaholism are proven and, unless we make change, we'll continue to see employees suffering and/or dying due to the problem.

[Charles Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

82%

So this is relatable, I strongly relate is workaholic and the unfortunate part is by over stressing yourself you will not accomplish your goals either way before you die because you'll die so soon and then how you continue to accomplishing your mission you don't, I think it's really something very interesting to think about because life can be super challenging and super enjoyable and it's all about prioritizing what you want to do because that's where you're going to go by focusing on that, so this is a very nice book to make you think about mindfulness and what you doing with your life, I actually did faint because I stressed myself out into an imaginary situation, so it's so important to think about this stuff and say hey, am I pushing myself beyond my body's limits? Some people say that they don't have stressful jobs I don't understand that mentality in America

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained a lot of value from this book as both a "workaholic" at the individual level, and also as a work-culture nerd at the organizational level. Leveraging research and case studies, Dr. Clark dismantles the 'benefits' of overwork from a productivity and work culture standpoint, while acknowledging that most of our workplaces are very broken and will continue to reward the exact behaviour she describes. Dr. Clark finds a good balance between anecdotes, theory, and tangible "you can do this today" or "here's a plan to pilot X" action items. Personally, the book changed my viewpoint on how an individual's overwork dominoes onto colleagues' experiences at work, and helped me see behavioural changes I could make as well as how the behaviours of others influence me. 5/5!

[KJ Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really difficult for me to listen to at times. I felt so implicated, not just in that I have often allowed myself to slip into destructive workaholic tendencies, but knowing that I have enabled and perpetuated workaholism in organizations I've been a part of. Clark's definitions and distinctions are important here: it's not just about the total hours worked, but rather the "all in" mentality and cultural norms we swim in-- the anxieties and ruminations even when away from our desks, the reluctance to tend to personal matters or take PTO, busyness as a status symbol, championing the self-sacrificing "above and beyonders," etc. If we want work to be sane and sustainable, we owe it to ourselves and to our colleagues to make the shifts Clark advocates for in this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book that's both "what is the culture of overwork" and "how to not to that". I really like that she puts most of the responsibility on the companies, those kind of books are too often about how to change yourself to deal with the way your company (or the society) is hurting you. Sure some people are more prone to be overworkers (hello to my fellow perfectionists and people pleaser) but you can't work yourself to death if you don't have a hierarchy that's very happy about it and willing to let you do it

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Not Working is very up front and clear about what it is and what it is not. Although it is a book that individuals can use to examine their own workaholism and look for red flags in their own relationship with work, it is equally if not more targeted toward organization leaders who can make substantive change to their company culture. Since I do not fit into the latter category myself, it limited the usefulness of this book for me.

But it is still a fantastic read even so. Anyone who feels addicted to work (or pressured to be by their organization's culture) will find some hope in these pages, that the future may not need to be this way, and it's better for companies not to work their employees to death.

[Meril Tihkonen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the topic of workaholism is very important to address and the book had a lot of references to the research done in the field. I understand how crucial it is to be a role model to your subordinates and take careful consideration in hidden messages you may send out with your behaviour. The topic itself is and has been very relevant to me so it was interesting to read about the extreme examples in this book.

[Ashley Sere · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great reminder as a leader to really look at yourself and our workaholic tendencies and how we can address them. I like the little steps and tips they also encourage us to work with other individuals to take action as well. Great book to remind yourself that you need room to breathe and live life!!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched data-driven book outlining the problem with overworking, and potential solutions from an individual and employer level. The last chapters talk about systemic change at an organizational level, which I assume will be near impossible for most readers. But some interesting references and case studies.

[Erinn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the insights and tips offered in the book. Overwork is an issue I have often struggled with and being part of a work culture where things changed dramatically to increase not overworking has been helpful. This book helps me to identify what environmental factors are different and some strategies for what I can do differently.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

concise read

Sometimes authors feel a need to drag out a concept but this book was succinct, relatable, and good mix between research and anecdotes. Very good read for anyone wanting to address overwork or as leaders for ways to reduce workaholism environments.

[Racer_rajesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, How to identify if you / your team/ your organisation promoting WORKAHOLISM, The long term effects of workaholism, steps to combat workaholism. Must read for first time managers who are mainly delivery driven.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful and informative, a book that should be read by employer and employee.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Realizing the negative consequences of being a workaholic, mentally and physically. Being a good worker does equal a workaholic.

[Victo Dolean · Rating 4 out of 5]

On how to recover from workaholism - yes, work is an addiction like any other.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting!

[Bari Dzomba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the passion and research from the author. One star deduction because this is literally just a holiday wish list.

[Verónica Lozano Cima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa is just brilliant describing our current epidemic, thanks for such a wake up call!!!