The UCU met with members of the University Executive Team on 15 December to discuss the findings of our 2023 Stress Survey. Following up on the UCU’s 2021 survey, we reported that unacceptable levels of stress have continued for faculty and staff at Richmond. The main causes are increased workload and poorly managed changes (ie. last minute deadlines, information requests, etc).

See here for the UCU Stress Survey Preliminary Findings Report 2023.

The University has a legal duty to address unacceptable levels of stress. UCU have called on the University to make this a priority. Workloads need to decrease. More faculty are needed to redistribute the load and responsibilities. UCU has argued that unacceptable levels of stress should be solved by moving Adjunct Faculty to permanent contracts, and stopping the use of zero-hour contracts!

We also agreed that we all need to work together to destigmatise mental health. Mental health is a workplace issue. As the UCU reports, “One in four people will experience some kind of mental health condition in the course of a year.” While there are a number of factors involved, economic recession, workplace uncertainty, and stress exacerbate the issue.

Don’t suffer alone. Report your unacceptable levels of stress. Tell the Union.

To find out more or to get involved, email the UCU branch. You can also attend the UCU course, Mental Health is a Trade Union Issue, online 10 May.

https://www.ucu.org.uk/workloadcampaign#resources