Overwork

To work excessively or to an extreme degree; to put an undue strain on oneself or on someone else through demanding labor. This often involves exceeding reasonable work hours, taking on excessive responsibilities, and neglecting personal well-being. overwork can apply to both physical and mental exertion and may lead to fatigue, burnout, decreased productivity, and health problems. The term implies a lack of balance between work and other aspects of life, causing detriment to the individual or entity involved. It can also pertain to the excessive use or strain placed upon a machine or resource, causing accelerated wear and tear. This highlights the core concept of going beyond sustainable or healthy limits of effort.

Overwork meaning with examples

• The constant pressure to meet deadlines and take on extra projects was causing John to overwork himself. He regularly stayed late, skipping meals and neglecting his sleep. His colleagues noticed his declining energy and offered their support, warning him about the dangers of burnout, as they saw him increasingly irritable and less productive. This pattern was unsustainable for both his mental and physical health.
• The company culture encouraged employees to overwork, rewarding those who put in the longest hours. Many staff members struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance, often feeling pressured to respond to emails and calls even outside of their designated hours. This constant connectivity had a damaging effect on morale and caused an increase in employee sick days, which undermined team performance.
• Due to the rapid prototyping stage, the engineering team was forced to overwork the machinery. They ran the equipment continuously, ignoring recommended maintenance breaks to expedite the project delivery timeline. While achieving the original goals, the accelerated pace caused unforeseen mechanical failures and significantly increased the risk of future shutdowns, which would ultimately require costly repairs.
• Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, often felt compelled to overwork to secure more clients and projects. She'd accept every job that came her way, even if it meant working through weekends and evenings. Despite making more money, she became exhausted, her creativity stifled, and her personal life suffered. After consulting with a life coach, she eventually learned to set boundaries and balance her workload.