The impact of Covid-19 on university staff

New research from the BPS has found that psychology staff in UK universities felt overworked and under supported during the Covid-19 pandemic in November last year. In contrast the research, a follow-up survey to a larger 2020 survey on experiences during the pandemic, found that students felt their wellbeing needs were largely being met by their universities.

 Just under 300 members of staff in university psychology departments responded to the survey, and 60 per cent of them disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that their workload was manageable during the pandemic. Only 51 per cent of staff reported that their wellbeing needs had been met 'somewhat', or 'to a great extent' by their university. Staff also felt like they did not have enough time for research with 79 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that they had enough time to undertake research.

Among the 1,127 undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students who responded, 75 per cent reported that they felt their wellbeing needs were being met 'somewhat' or 'to a great extent' by their university, however those aged 21-25 were less likely to say their wellbeing needs were being met. Two thirds of the students either agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with how teaching was being delivered on their course – they felt most satisfied with teaching and learning when it was delivered face to face, or a combination of face to face and online, and were least satisfied when teaching and learning were delivered entirely online.

Chair of the BPS Research Board Professor Andy Tolmie (UCL) said: 'These survey results confirm the impression held by many staff in psychology departments – that they have done very well in maintaining student engagement through a difficult period, but at substantial cost to their own wellbeing, and especially their capacity to progress research. It is crucial that universities – and research funders – acknowledge this impact and work to redress it.'

The report recommends that universities should explore ways to improve staff workload and to enable staff to undertake more research. It also suggests that universities should investigate why students aged 21-25 were less likely than students in other age groups to say their wellbeing needs were being met.