Poor Work-Life Balance? That’ll Cost You.

We’ve all heard that work-life balance is important. Companies push flexible time off policies and encourage workers to prioritize their health over work deadlines. Many of us dream of a world in which work ends promptly at 5:00 and we have plenty of time to relax, have fun, and spend time with our families.

However, that dream is far from the reality that many Americans face. Only 23 percent of Americans use all of their vacation days. Even when on vacation, 66 percent of Americans report working. Some estimate that about 10 percent of the U.S. population may be workaholics — defined by the Journal of Behavioral Addictions as those who have a “stable tendency to compulsively and excessively work.”

Working excessively might get you noticed at work in the short term, but it also often leads to burnout and an overall decrease in your productivity. Plus, if you don’t prioritize a healthy balance between work and play, you might find yourself splurging on unnecessary expenses to escape the negative realities of your job. All of these little costs add up!

That’s not to mention the personal costs of a poor work-life balance. A whopping 76 percent of workers say stress at work negatively impacts their personal relationships. This lack of balance also sometimes leads to sleep deprivation, depression, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions.

Check out the infographic below for a closer look at the surprising costs of a poor work-life balance and ways to carve out time for yourself when it seems like work is taking over your life.