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Doing more with less? work and wellbeing in academics

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

There is evidence that fundamental changes to the context and content of academic work have increased demands, reduced support and eroded professional autonomy. Drawing on research conducted in the UK and Australia, this paper initially considers the implications of these changes for the wellbeing of academics. Particular focus is placed on a longitudinal programme of research that has utilised the UK Health and Safety Executive's Management Standards Framework to investigate the job-related stressors and strains experienced in the university sector. It is argued that this benchmarking approach has strong potential to monitor working conditions in universities over time, facilitate comparisons with the work-related wellbeing of other occupational groups, and identify priority areas for intervention. The paper also focuses on the antecedents and outcomes of work-life conflict which is particularly prevalent amongst academics and a key source of strain. Finally, ways in which the wellbeing of academic employees may be enhanced are considered. The need for universities to provide active and visible support to monitor the wellbeing of their employees and take necessary action is emphasised.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 219-235

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Somatechnics (Volume 4, Issue 2)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/09/2014

Publication status

Published - 01/09/2014

ISSN

2044-0138

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/581960
  • Scopus: 85136799996

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