Lived Experiences of Diverse University Staff during COVID-19: An Examination of Workplace Wellbeing

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  • Author(s): Leslie Morrison Gutman (ORCID Leslie Morrison Gutman (ORCID 0000-0003-0567-7347); Fatima Younas (ORCID Fatima Younas (ORCID 0000-0001-6680-8780); Rachel Perowne (ORCID Rachel Perowne (ORCID 0000-0002-3318-7321); Eanna O'Hanrachtaigh
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Studies in Higher Education. 2024 49(2):251-268.
  • Publication Date:
    2024
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      18
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Public Colleges; Research Universities; Foreign Countries; School Personnel; Self Concept; Intersectionality; Sex; Sexual Orientation; Ethnicity; Age Differences; Role; Caregivers; Disabilities; Employee Attitudes; Work Environment; Adjustment (to Environment); Well Being
    • Subject Terms:
      United Kingdom
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/03075079.2023.2231015
    • ISSN:
      0307-5079
      1470-174X
    • Abstract:
      Survey research has evidenced the work-related stresses reported by higher education staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, with indications that some groups may have been more vulnerable than others. However, for the most part, this research has not taken into account individuals' intersecting identities and their circumstances, which are likely to influence the strategies which are best placed to support their wellbeing. This qualitative study contributes to this area of research through an examination of workplace wellbeing for diverse professional and academic staff, providing a more in-depth understanding of their lived experiences during the pandemic. Data were 36 open-ended questionnaires and 20 interviews from diverse academic and professional staff, in terms of their intersecting gender, sexual and ethnic identities; age; job role and grade scale; caregiving responsibilities and disability status, at a large UK public research university. Using inductive thematic analysis, the findings support key influences identified in the quantitative studies but also highlight new themes such as the salience of ethnic, religious and gender identities and anxiety and trauma from the pandemic. The findings further emphasise the importance of the organisational infrastructure to support staff welfare. Evidence-based, workplace strategies are offered to address the key findings. Overall, our study highlights the importance of providing targeted support and acknowledging the traumatic experiences of university staff during crisis situations and underscores how equity, diversity and inclusion are key considerations for wellbeing practices and policies in the workplace.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2024
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1406845