May 26, 2020

Survey shows UOW staff adapting to challenges of pandemic

Majority happy with University’s efforts to protect their health, safety and mental wellbeing.

University of Wollongong (UOW) staff have given a thumbs up to the University’s efforts to protect their health and safety, and to support their mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

UOW undertook the online mental health and wellbeing survey in order to better understand how staff were coping and adapting during the pandemic, and to gain insight into the health and wellbeing support they needed.

The survey is believed to be one of the first in Australia to gauge the health and wellbeing of a university’s staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey ran from 24 April to 4 May, and 64 per cent of UOW staff completed it.

Survey results show the majority of staff who responded were satisfied with the measures UOW has taken to protect the health and safety of staff and students.

Respondents also reported that although the period of transition to remote learning and working from home has been stressful, they were able to manage the pressure of working remotely and their mental wellbeing by accessing the formal and informal support services the University has made available. 

Seventy-four per cent of respondents indicated they felt well, in terms of their emotional wellbeing, their level of stress and sense of safety.

Sixty-eight per cent of respondents indicated they were satisfied with the organisation’s response to the pandemic.

The survey showed that work-life balance was a considerable challenge for most staff, especially those with additional carer responsibilities or children completing schoolwork at home, however, 80 per cent of respondents felt the University had enough flexible work arrangements to meet their needs.

The survey also revealed that UOW staff had continued to work effectively throughout the disruption. Ninety per cent of respondents said their team had been able to work together effectively despite the many challenges, and 92 per cent said they had good communication with their co-workers.

Feedback from respondents highlighted the need to continue clear and timely communication about the often rapid changes being made by Federal and State Governments, and the University’s response to these changes.

The pandemic’s financial impact on the University was another topic of interest for respondents, with many indicating their interest in receiving further information on this subject.

University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE took the opportunity to thank staff for the effort they had put into meeting the challenge of delivering courses remotely and working from home.

“I want to acknowledge again the tireless efforts of staff to move to remote teaching so swiftly under challenging circumstances,” Professor Wellings said.

“The energy and determination of our UOW staff community are second to none, and I remain grateful for the flexibility, patience and adaptability they continue to show in response to this constantly evolving situation.”