School of Social and Political Science

Description

Reports and research evidence indicate that university staff experience higher levels of occupational stress, mental health challenges and work-related pressures. Staff well-being in the workplace is attributed to productivity, workplace culture, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. However, the changing nature of work and work contexts, work culture, increased demands on time, and the pressure to perform have all significantly impacted the well-being of staff.  A contents analysis of publications in Conversation Australia and New Zealand was undertaken and the result of this exercise suggests that many academics feel overworked, stressed, and isolated, with a flow-on effect of reduced mental health and well-being. While this is not a new phenomenon in academia, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have added another layer of complexity to the issue. The presentation describes recent initiatives by the universities and other activities undertaken by academics and students in Australian Universities in addressing some of the challenges.

For more details - https://research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/abraham.francis/

Abraham P. Francis is an Associate Professor with the Social Work and Human Services academic group at James Cook University, Australia. Dr Francis is a research fellow at the Department of social work, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and an Adjunct Faculty with Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE, Manipal. He has worked with Government, Non-government, and corporate sectors, and has developed many international partnerships. He taught social work at the Delhi University in India and worked as a senior mental health social worker with Country Health South Australia before moving to Townsville to join James Cook University.  He has extensively contributed to the literature on Social Work practice in mental health through his publications, convening conferences, establishing research networks and by developing consortiums. His other research interests are in the field of communities, criminal justice, international social work, and gerontological social work.  His excellence in teaching has been recognised on a number of occasions.  For example, in 2010, he was a recipient of James Cook University’s Inclusive Practice Award for his “exceptional support for students with a disability”. In 2016, he received the university’s ‘Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning’ for his “leadership and expertise in social work education in mental health that inspires and nurtures students to be competent, confident and compassionate practitioners”.

Bio: Dr Francis was one of the finalists at the 2018 India Australia business and community awards in the category of Community Services Excellence Award and Business Leader/ Professional of the Year. In 2018, Dr Francis received the NAPASWI (National Association of Professional Association Social Workers in India) lifetime achievement for his outstanding contribution to social work Education.