A new study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, seeks to transform workplace policies for women academics experiencing mental health conditions. The project, led by Dr. Hadar Elraz from Swansea University, aims to identify challenges and deliver solutions to create a more inclusive academic environment.
Dr. Elraz highlights the ongoing issues, stating, “Despite growing commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), women in academia—especially those with mental health conditions—continue to experience significant barriers. Work intensification, gender disparities in promotion and recognition, and systemic ableism contribute to high levels of stress, burnout, and exclusion. Yet, existing HR and EDI policies often fail to address these intersecting challenges, leaving many academics without adequate support.”
The study aims to fill a crucial knowledge gap within UK higher education. “There is still a major knowledge gap regarding how mental health experiences intersect with work intensification in UK higher education, particularly for academics who identify as women," Dr. Elraz explains. The focus will be on providing universities and policymakers with evidence-based recommendations to improve workplace policies.
Key research areas include identifying effective workplace strategies, highlighting best practices, and developing practical policy recommendations for HR teams and leadership. The research will incorporate interviews and focus groups with women academics, HR professionals, and policymakers throughout the UK. The findings will be disseminated via policy reports, conferences, and webinars to ensure they reach essential stakeholders.
The project will also track the implementation of its recommendations over 18 months to assess the impact on institutions. Dr. Elraz remarks, “This research is a crucial step in tackling the systemic barriers faced by women academics with mental health conditions. By shifting the focus from individuals to workplace policies, we aim to provide practical solutions that foster a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.”
The research is supported by UKRI, the Wellcome Trust, and various advocacy groups, aiming to influence workplace culture and policy across UK higher education. The study will provide universities with actionable insights to prioritize mental health and gender equity in enduring ways. “With the growing emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education, now is the time for institutions to take meaningful action,” Dr. Elraz emphasizes.