This study investigates the connection between working hours, overtime, job satisfaction, well-being and potential coping strategies among mid-level academic staff at German universities. The goal was to shed light on the status quo and derive implications for the design of working conditions at universities.
We present data from an online survey conducted in April/May 2023 among mid-level academic staff at German universities (N = 1,442). To explore coping strategies, we included an open-ended question, which supplements the statistical analysis.
The results indicate a negative correlation between contractual working hours and overtime. Further, overtime has a significant effect on the perception of job satisfaction, workload, stress and the occurrence of burnout symptoms. Gender, career goals and parenthood influence these constructs.
We build on previous studies investigating working conditions and job satisfaction among academics but focus on the interrelations between overtime work, well-being and coping strategies. We provide insights into the unique challenges faced in Germany and into potential implications for the design of working conditions and academic career paths at universities.
