Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

The psychosocial hazards of academic work: an analysis of trends

Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

This study examines the psychosocial hazards experienced by academic staff working in UK institutions over time. A risk assessment framework developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was used to measure seven key hazards: demands, control, support from managers and colleagues, relationships, role and change management. Data were obtained from three waves of a national survey of academic staff across the UK (2008, n = 6,203; 2012, n = 7,068; 2014, n = 3,952). Mean scores for each hazard were compared with HSE benchmarks from the UK working population and changes over the three waves were examined. Apart from job control, none of the benchmarks was met and the risk associated with demands, manager and peer support, role and change was particularly high. An increase in most of the psychosocial hazards was found over time, particularly for job demands, control, role and relationships, showing clear cause for concern. How the findings could be used to monitor the wellbeing of academic staff over time and develop targeted interventions is considered.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 771-782

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Studies in Higher Education (Volume 47, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 22/07/2020

Publication status

Published - 22/07/2020

ISSN

0307-5079

Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/624442
  • Scopus: 85088434158

Access to documents

Publication metrics

Metrics

Download statistics
Download count
5

PlumX, opens in new tab

Mentions
5
Captures
100
45