How Good is Quality of Working Life in Commonwealth Universities?

QoWL are working with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) to carry out a survey of quality of working life.

In the last 2 years, QoWL have conducted research to benchmark stress, wellbeing and quality of working life across the Higher Education sector in the UK.

QoWL’s UK research has revealed that:

• Academics are the most stressed occupational group and the main reason is change
• Stress and wellbeing vary significantly between universities
• University staff have better relationships and more control than in the general working population
• Older, long-serving, male staff are more vulnerable to stress and negative wellbeing
• Organisational flexibility and trust may be important constituent factors of a culture that enhances well-being and quality of working life

We hope that many universities will take part in the online survey, which will provide valuable data on factors influencing quality of working life in universities across the Commonwealth.

The survey will be launched in early October, and the results analysed in early 2009. QoWL will produce a summary report that will be sent to all ACM members in February. Any Commonwealth Universty interested in taking part should contact:

Alan Bradshaw, Director, Surveys and Benchmarks, QoWL, alan.bradshaw@qowl.co.uk

QoWL (http://www.qowl.co.uk) has developed psychometric survey tools to measure the quality of working life of employees.