ERIC Number: EJ1292466
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0729-4360
EISSN: N/A
Experiences of University Employees of the Impact of a Mindful Self-Care and Resiliency Program on Their Well-Being
Higher Education Research and Development, v40 n3 p524-537 2021
University employees experience high levels of workplace stress, with the perception that it is increasing, due to less autonomy, increased student numbers, excessive administrative work and role ambiguity. This study is part of a larger evaluation of the effectiveness of a Mindfulness, Self-Care and Resiliency (MSCR) program to improve the well-being of university employees in a regional university in Australia. In this study we report the results of interviews with 19 university employees who completed the program in 2019. The aim was to determine the acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability of the program in a university setting. MSCR teaches resiliency skills to improve overall stress management, well-being, and self-care behaviour. The program was delivered to both academic and support (professional) staff. Of the 19 employees interviewed, 13 were academic and 6 were professional staff. As it was evident that there was no difference in emerging themes between the two groups, the data were pooled for thematic analysis. Two overarching themes were found: impact of the program on the individual self (pre-existing mindset and learning and the impact of the program on individual well-being and self-care) and the way the individual interacted with others in their environment (inside the work environment -- physical space, interaction with others [staff and students]), attending follow-ups at work and outside the work environment (interaction with immediate family, social support). It is apparent that the program was acceptable, feasible and sustainable, with employees reporting changes from the program at the one-month interview point. Results highlight the importance of skills to build inner-calm to manage the complex work environment as well as providing permission to staff to implement self-care activities in the workplace, regardless of their employment status.
Descriptors: Universities, College Faculty, Employee Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Metacognition, Resilience (Psychology), Well Being, Work Environment, Physical Environment, Space Utilization, Family Environment, Transfer of Training, Interaction, Social Support Groups, Organizational Climate, Burnout, Prevention, Stress Variables, Stress Management, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A