Tackling excessive workload
Identifying the issues behind workload is complex, and solutions need to draw on addressing pressures and ways of working both beyond and inside organisations.
As a sector, we can work as a collective, and as individual universities, we can examine our own pressure points to identify challenges, remove barriers and find better ways to support our staff.
Above all, we know how important achieving a positive workload balance can be to the mental health and wellbeing of our staff, who are the driving force in making our universities such great places to work, research, teach and study.
Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students
Our response
The University Executive Board has committed to resolving the problem of excess workload. A Joint Working Group has been set up, to engage with the issues and establish an agreed set of principles, policies and procedures.
The group includes representatives from all three campus trade unions, academic departments, Professional Services and HR, and is chaired by board member Professor Tracy Lightfoot, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students.
Our goal is a manageable workload for all employees. We are considering the challenges of workload across all areas of activity, including teaching, research and professional services, as well as within the University's culture as a whole.
Our progress so far
We have defined the Scope and Terms of Reference for the project.
We have developed University-wide principles which will provide an overarching direction that Faculties and departments can apply to their own initiatives. The principles will also provide a benchmark for future assessments of workload.
We have gathered some 'quick wins' and we are developing ways to share examples of best practice with staff.
We have highlighted the implications for workload when projects are considered by UEB and Senate, to ensure that careful thought is given to the impact on workload when new initiatives are being planned.
Get involved
If you want to ask a question or make a contribution to the workstream, please get in touch. You can fill in this form anonymously, or supply your email address if you would like a response.
Your wellbeing
Workload and wellbeing are inextricably linked. The pressure of excessive workload can have a negative impact on your wellbeing, and it can be hard to work effectively if you are struggling with emotional, mental or physical issues.