School of Health & Wellbeing

For many people, research seems like a dream job. However, the reality of working in academia can be very different.

The recent University of Glasgow survey revealed high levels of work-related stress for both researchers and professional/support staff in IHW. This stress reflects many aspects of the pressured academic working environment, including: the pursuit of top-rated publications in leading international journals; competition to gain grant income; rejection; and uncertainty around short-term contracts.

Although we are all concerned about the need for a better work-life balance and creating healthier working habits, it is not always easy to see how we can achieve this. A paper just published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests ten simple and practical rules towards healthier research environments. We have adapted these for sharing here.

1. Promote the wellbeing of your colleagues
2. Let people set their own schedules
3. Gratitude is the sign of noble souls
4. Treat your colleagues as team mates
5. Create a collaborative environment
6. Remember that everyone is unique
7. Respect working hours and holidays
8. Give credit where credit is due
9. Destigmatize failure and celebrate success
10. Promote professional development

These rules appear simple common sense and align closely our own equality and diversity initiatives within IHW. Although aimed primarily at PIs, many seem useful for all members of staff to reflect on their own work practices. We hope you find them as helpful as we do.

“We’re all smart. Distinguish yourself by being kind" Prof Charles Gordon, Head of Department, Sociology & Anthropology, Carleton University

Dr Cindy Gray
IHW Athena SWAN Champion

---

First published: 2 May 2018