When VU employees complain about social insecurity, you might immediately think of colleagues bullying each other or managers intimidating their subordinates. But the most recent work employee survey conducted by VU shows that a lot of social insecurity arises in the “educational setting.” In other words: it is relatively often students who make life difficult for their lecturers.
The issue was brought up during a meeting of the works council and the executive board last Wednesday, when the results of the work employee survey from earlier this year were discussed. At first glance, the report presents fairly positive results, with employees expressing satisfaction with the work atmosphere and their colleagues. But social safety, said Executive Board Chair Margrethe Jonkman, “stands out enormously in a negative sense.” Across VU, 14 percent of staff reported experiencing inappropriate behavior themselves, and 19 percent said they had observed it. These numbers vary by department.
Gaza and Sexism
A works council member noted that, based on conversations with staff, the problems were mostly caused by students, and that employees felt there was no proper safety net at VU to deal with this. Despite the wide range of confidential advisers, the ombudsman, and other institutions available to discuss uncomfortable situations at work, lecturers who face inappropriate behavior from students feel they have no one to talk to. These findings were confirmed by a department head from HRM.
Inappropriate behavior in lecture halls includes situations related to Gaza, the council member explained during a break. Lecturers feel pressured by students who raise the topic during classes.
Another major group affected are female lecturers, who feel they are treated in a certain way because of their gender. The council member personally expressed some reservations about using the term “sexism.”
‘A Bit of Work Pressure Is Nice’
In terms of workload, things appear to be improving slightly across VU. However, Board Chair Jonkman said she ideally wants at least 80 percent of employees to be satisfied with issues like workload. “I want VU to be the place where you want to work,” Jonkman said. She added that she personally “actually enjoys a bit of work pressure.”