There is a significant correlation between excessive workload and poor mental health among academics in Australian higher education, according to a new study.
As the nation’s thought leaders on the future of the HE workforce prepared to gather at the HE People & Performance Conference this month, Federation University’s Elisa Zentveld, Huy Nguyen and colleagues have published a new paper demonstrating the link between workload issues, mental health and use of healthcare.
The study looked at workload and mental health outcomes for 626 academics, including examining actual hours worked, rather than relying on self-reported perceptions of excessive workload, and draws on 2022 data, finding that academics worked 3256 hours per year on average – far more than the standard 1824 hours expected in most Australian institutions.
In line with other surveys of HE staff stress and burnout were a significant issue – with one in four experiencing moderate or severe anxiety and just over 40% using at least one mental health service in the past year. Around 70% of those experiencing moderate/severe mental health symptoms sought treatment.
“The findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize the health and well‐being, (of the HE workforce),” the authors concluded.
“In practice, institutions could consider implementing workload monitoring systems, setting upper limits on annual working hours, providing structured mental health support programs, and encouraging staff to access available services.
“Policies promoting flexible work arrangements, reducing administrative burdens, and recognizing teaching and research contributions may also help mitigate workload‐related stress and improve academic wellbeing.”