Creating a supportive working environment in European higher education
Creating a positive working environment is key to the future success of higher education across Europe. Self-direction and autonomy are positive influences in the work context. Those who feel supported at work will enjoy their experience, like their jobs and have high levels of job satisfaction. The capacity to form supportive relationships at work is one of the main features of productive work environments.
The period of continued austerity in the wider world can undermine work identity in negative ways. Austerity involves downsizing, changing direction and focus and budgetary cuts. In the face of such challenges, the need to focus on the creation of supportive work environments and positive work identities is urgent, particularly in the higher education context.
