In the last year, Mads Bendixen, who is industrial psychologist and PhD at ALECTIA, has carried out a project for PhD students at the department of Civil Engineering of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The purpose has been to help the PhD students with some of the problems they meet in their daily life. The project has resulted in a number of recommendations to DTU and some good advice to the students. A similar project will be initiated at the Science Park of Glostrup Hospital.

According to several surveys, many PhD students are challenged by a heavy workload, expectation pressure, lack of management and planning, problems finding the right balance between work and private life, and a feeling of professional and social isolation. The consequence can be that the PhD students for some periods lose their motivation, or at worst decide to abandon their studies.

ALECTIA gives advice to employees and students at universities on goal-oriented retention processes that focus on increased job satisfaction and well-being as well as a better network.

Help to handle work life challenges
In autumn 2009 DTU Civil Engineering chose to launch an initiative to improve the well-being and work life of the PhD students. The initiative is headed by Mads Bendixen, industrial psychologist and PhD at ALECTIA, who among other things has extensive knowledge of organisational development and physical working environment.

During the first phase the PhD students were introduced to the project, and 17 chose to join. During the following 6 months the participants met with Mads Bendixen regularly to discuss problems and possible solutions. The students present and discuss the topics in so-called reflective groups that ensure that they get help and inspiration to handle their problems.

Benefits for the participants and DTU Civil Engineering
The PhD students have been very satisfied with the project. Their evaluation shows that 80 pct. feel that project has helped them tackle their problems. 40 pct. even say that the project has improved the quality of their PhD thesis, even though this was not the direct objective. All participants want to continue the process in the future.

Apart from increased well-being and job satisfaction for the PhD students, the process has also lead to a number of suggestions to DTU Civil Engineering. The students among other things suggest that similar processes should be compulsory for all new PhD students, and that the participants should be trained in the methods used during the project.

Next stop: The Science Park at Glostrup Hospital
The project was a pilot project, but due to the big success Mads Bendixen will continue with similar projects. The next project will be carried out for the Science Park at Glostrup Hospital.