Health Survey
Why is a health survey needed?
With around 11,000 staff members, the University of Vienna is one of the largest employers in Vienna. However, no systematic research has yet been carried out into the health of these employees. A new annual survey, conducted independently by the Health in Society Research Network, is now set to address this issue and enable the university management to identify areas for improvement and initiate measures.
Who is being surveyed?
The Health Survey surveys all University of Vienna staff involved in research, teaching and administration: professors, administrative assistants, staff working on research projects or in service units – everyone who has an employment contract with the University of Vienna, whether on a fixed-term or permanent basis, full-time or part-time.
Scientific direction
Julia Reiter
Senior Scientist in the field of Social Psychology at the University of Vienna, and project leader. Her research focuses, among other things, on the social and structural aspects of health.
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Robert Böhm
Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Vienna, whose research focuses on health behaviour and the acceptance of health policies (such as vaccination and antibiotics).
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Benedikt Graf
Visiting professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Vienna; his research focuses, among other things, on information and communication overload in the workplace.
Learn moreContribution
Kathrin Karsay, Urs Nater, Laura König
Heat module: Claus Lamm, Maximilian Steiniger, Mona Bielig
What is being asked?
Health is more than just the absence of illness. It encompasses physical, mental and social aspects, which are significantly influenced by personal and structural factors.
The Health Survey therefore not only assesses employees’ current state of health, but also examines the circumstances that either support or hinder health and health-promoting behaviour at the University. These include, for example, workplace ergonomics and the level of workload, as well as personal factors such as chronic illnesses or care responsibilities. These questions remain the same each year to enable the observation of long-term trends.
Those affected are experts on their own situation and key partners in the development of improvement measures. For this reason, the Health Survey also asks staff each year for their ideas and suggestions for a healthier workplace at the University.
In addition, the survey includes a focus module that addresses a different health-related topic each year. This allows specific health issues or current developments to be addressed. The first focus module in 2026 will centre on heat stress in the workplace.
How is the anonymity of participants ensured?
We have implemented a number of procedural and technical measures to ensure the anonymity of participants. As a result, the survey is completely anonymous and the responses cannot be traced back to specific individuals.
Employees at the University of Vienna can find more information on this topic on the intranet.
What happens once the survey is over?
Once the survey has concluded, the data will be analysed scientifically by the Health in Society Research Network.
We will produce a public report documenting the results for the University of Vienna as a whole, as well as further detailed reports. Based on this data, the University Management will determine where action is needed and develop sustainable long-term measures.
Employees at the University of Vienna can find more information on this topic on the intranet.