Overtime and well-being among mid-level academic staff

Purpose 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. Design/methodology/approach 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. Findings 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. Originality/value 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.