Wellbeing trainings on campus

Research and health and safety reports paint a dire picture of the working conditions in academic institutions. The so-called ‘neoliberalisation’ of higher education (incl. the centring of profit motives and individual responsibility) has exacerbated competition and work pressure with dire implications for researchers’ wellbeing. In response, many universities offer trainings that aim to, for instance, equip struggling employees with tools for improving their stress management, keeping up their health, and cultivating a positive mindset. This project examines the content and implementation of such trainings and discusses the limitations of individualizing solutions to structural problems.