- LMU Munich School of Management

Universities are an extremely competitive working environment characterized by high performance requirements, time pressure and a high degree of uncertainty. Professors in particular, as key performers in academia, are caught between research, teaching and academic self-administration. However, while many studies have looked at the challenges faced by students and young academics at (German) universities and their impact on health and performance, comparatively little data is available on professors.

Our research project PROFESS(Promoting Resilienceand Optimizing Faculty Environmentfor Sustainable Success) aims to close this gap. Based on a nationally representative survey of professors, evidence-based recommendations for action are being derived for university management and university policy in order to create an overall health-promoting environment for all status groups, including professors.

The focus here is on identifying exogenous and endogenous factors that have a significant influence on the well-being and stress levels of professors in their university working environment.

"By addressing well-being among professors, we are not only investing in the health of individuals, but also in the future viability of the entire academic system."
Prof. Dr. Yvette Hofmann, Research Project Manager

The research project

Why this topic is important

A healthy academic environment starts with the professoriate, because professors are the backbone of academia - they shape research, teaching and academic leadership. However, the growing demands on their role, including increasing publication pressure, growing administrative tasks and changing teaching formats, often lead to considerable stress and high levels of strain. Maintaining their performance is therefore highly relevant to the quality of teaching and research. It is therefore essential to design universities in such a way that they offer a health-promoting environment that supports long-term motivation, performance and satisfaction. This is precisely where our research project comes in: We want to understand which stresses are particularly significant and which measures can specifically relieve professors in their day-to-day work.

Goal

The aim of PROFESS is to develop a deeper understanding of the conditions and resources that influence the well-being (PDF, 758 KB), stress management and stress experience of professors. In particular, we are investigating

the current work situation of professors,
specific aspects of workload, stress factors and individual coping strategies and
the need for support services and health promotion measures.

"We want to understand which factors promote the well-being of professors - and which structures may need to be adapted in order to reduce long-term stress."
Prof. Dr. Yvette Hofmann, Research Project Manager

Methodology

In order to gain a comprehensive picture of the current situation, we combine qualitative (expert interviews) and quantitative research methods (online survey).

Project details

In recent years, the importance of social sustainability and health has also steadily increased in the university context

In 2015, the so-calledOkanagan Charter (PDF, 972 KB) based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Ottawa Charter of the WHO (PDF, 191 KB) developed. It calls on universities worldwide to embed health and sustainability in all their activities and to create a culture of wellbeing. Renowned universities such as Berkeley University of California, Cornell University and Princeton University have already integrated these principles into their statutes and are actively committed to health-promoting universities in theInternational Health Promoting Campuses Network. The first universities in Germany are also operating on this basis.

Professors in particular play a central role in education and research, but are under great pressure: multiple responsibilities, increasing academic competition and limited resources often lead to stress and strain. In the long term, this can affect not only personal well-being, but also performance and creativity.

The nationally representative survey conducted in spring 2025 provides comprehensive data on stress, resources and health-promoting university structures from the perspective of professors. The findings serve as the basis for evidence-based recommendations for action that support universities in creating a health-promoting working and learning environment. This makes an important contribution to the sustainable promotion of health and excellence in the German academic landscape.

Resources and links on the topic of Healthy Campus

Contact us

Are you interested in further information about the project or do you have any questions? Then please send an e-mail to:profess@som.lmu.de

Our team

The project is headed by Prof. Dr. Yvette Hofmann.

Her research focuses on change management and well-being in academia, with a strong focus on the two topics of leadership and resilience in the higher education context. In her work, she examines how change can be successfully shaped in organizations, especially universities, and has been supporting universities in their transformation processes for almost three decades now. She benefits from her qualifications as a certified Systemic Business Coach (dvct e.V.) and Mental Health First Aider. Her expertise in mindfulness and mental training flows into both her research and teaching.

Anne Kornmayer, M.Sc. works as a research assistant in the project.

With a strong background in psychology and survey statistics, she is committed to research and the promotion of individual potential. Through her work in education and research, she has deepened her expertise in questionnaire design, multivariate analysis, functional data analysis and curriculum development. Her strengths lie in analytical thinking and communication, always with the aim of achieving continuous improvement and excellence. She uses her knowledge to drive meaningful projects and shape progress in her field.

Sophia von der Heyden supports the project as a student assistant.

Sophia studies business administration at the LMU Munich School of Management and supports the research project with analytical and organizational activities such as data research, evaluation and preparation of scientific content as well as support in administrative processes.

PROFESS