Work, well-being and presence among researchers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate which work factors researchers in the institute sector consider important for their well-being and presence at work. We interviewed eight researchers in depth regarding work, well-being, and presence at work. By use of content analysis, we identified five main themes associated with well-being and presence at work: performing high-quality research; meaningful work; job demands; autonomy; and social support. The opportunity to perform high-quality research was the most important condition for the researchers’ well-being and presence at work. This theme seems to be intertwined with the association between all the other four themes and well-being and presence, and may therefore be regarded as being at a higher level than the other themes. To promote well-being and presence at work, it is important to provide administrative support and to organize work so that the researchers can concentrate on what they regard as core work tasks.

Keywords:

• Commissioned research
• academics
• psychosocial work environment
• presenteeism
• sick leave
• health promotion

Acknowledgments

We thank the research institute and the researchers for participating. We also thank Kirsti Undebakke, NTNU for comments on an earlier draft.