PhD Study : ​The impact of Employee Wellness in academic institutions

Summary

In the midst of a global pandemic studies are emerging considering the strategic positioning, operational excellence, human resource management and employee wellbeing in a range of organisational settings (see Gorgenyi-Hegyes et al., 2021; Agarwal, 2021; Blake et al., 2020).  Some are hooked on current academic theories such as dynamic capabilities (Nayal et al., 2021), leadership (Roberts, 2020), knowledge management (Kirchner et al., 2021) and performance management (George et al., 2020) to name but a few.  Whilst these focused papers are helpful, providing a kaleidoscopic perspective, a holistic theoretical approach is lacking.

This PhD would commence by offering a conceptual framework to address the current theoretical gap. Considering the various strains of current (new and emerging) research, an optimum approach for exploring the effects and impact of Covid-19 would be presented.  This framework would provide the underpinning for field research.  Whilst the nature of the research design is yet to be defined (this will depend on the natural sway of the successful applicant for qualitative or quantitative study) there is much scope for research in this area.

One possible avenue could be the impact of the pandemic in a University setting taking into consideration employee wellbeing, mental health, stress management, resilience and so on.  The role of an academic is varied, often isolating and consistently demanding.  Whilst most (if not all) Universities have been forced into a ‘working from home’ situation since February/March 2020, some are now pivoting towards new ways of working (on-board, hybrid, virtual, compressed and so on).  Whilst the exploration of new approaches is valid and no doubt welcomed how will the future of higher education be affected by these changes.

This research will question the views of traditional academics (having reverted to standard ways of working), those who have chosen to adopt new ways of working, and those who may consider entering academia as a future career. Findings from this research will not only be applicable to the educational arena but could influence other public and private organisation responses to new ways of working.  The employment landscape may never be the same again, now is the time to unpick the characteristics of what potential frameworks would include, and to ascertain a benchmark of new and emerging practices, to include emotional intelligence, acceptance and wellness.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living