Reliable, high-performing employees are usually seen as likely to move up in their careers and get noticed, however, new research suggests that always doing extra work can have some hidden drawbacks. Fast Company reports that when employees regularly take on more tasks or help others, these actions can slowly turn into expected parts of their job.  

Over time, tasks that were once optional can become part of daily work and may even spill into personal time. For example, employees might begin by handling a few requests after hours, but soon realize that “without realizing it, our work life has annexed a small part of our personal life.” This gradual shift often happens when there are no clear boundaries, especially in workplaces that always reward going above and beyond. 

Researchers in organizational psychology have looked at “organizational citizenship behaviors,” which are voluntary actions that help teams and companies do well. These behaviors can benefit organizations and improve an employee’s reputation, but they also require extra time and energy that may not be sustainable in the long term. 

The piece underlines that if these extra efforts are not managed, they can hurt personal well-being and relationships outside of work. Employees and organizations both need to find a balance between good performance and long-term health, so that doing well at work does not come at the expense of personal well-being and engagement.