For the investor Canadian Kevin O’Leary, workaholics are unproductive, and the idea that these professionals deliver better results is nothing more than a myth. O’Leary is one of the Canadian stars of Shark Tank, a television show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to venture capitalists.

“If all you care about is your job and your place in the hierarchy, and you’re spending 25 hours a day working, you’re definitely a less productive person,” O’Leary said in an interview with CNBC do it. The investor added that he insists on having no workaholics on his team: “When I see a workaholic, I go far,” he says.

“Great entrepreneurs, employees, and managers have balance in their lives,” O’Leary points out. The executive, however, makes considerations. He had already said, in a previous interview, that it is difficult for the entrepreneur to break even before the company has a healthy financial life.

The investor and his wife have made a rule: no matter where they work, they both have to spend time with their family on weekends.

“Really good results have come from ideas I had while playing my guitar, for example, or when I was polishing my watch. It lets your mind wander and allows you to become more productive,” he said. O’Leary also said job seekers who include hobbies on their resume are well considered. “It shows the balance,” he reinforces.

health hazards

In Brazil, a look for 2019 revealed that professionals work around 18 hours overtime per month. The ranking is led by the United Arab Emirates, where workers work 24 hours of overtime per month.

In addition to impacting productivity, overwork can lead to health risks. In 2021, a joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that overwork contributed to 745,000 deaths worldwide.

People who regularly worked more than 55 hours a week had a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

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