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Scientist in the laboratory (symbolic image): Mothers are the most anxious and stressed

Photo: Marco VDM / E+ / Getty Images

The working conditions of young scientists are often miserable: they usually work into the evening and into the weekend, do not dare to take vacation days, compete with colleagues. PostdocNet, an advocacy group for postdocs at the Max Planck Society (MPG), has now published the results of a recent survey on satisfaction with the work situation of postdocs.

According to the study, more than half of all postdocs (55 percent) report having mild depressive symptoms, and just under half report mild anxiety. More than 20 percent of postdocs show signs of moderate to severe clinical depression – almost three times as high as in the general population of the same age in Germany.

More than a quarter of all postdocs (27 percent) are parents, and according to the survey, mothers are the most unhappy, depressed, anxious and stressed. They report more personal conflicts and they are the most socially isolated.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of postdocs surveyed (83 percent) say they are at least somewhat happy, and 80 percent say they lead a meaningful and purposeful life.

How can this be explained? According to the survey, postdocs are passionate about their work and love what they do. At the same time, they are struggling with the precarious working conditions that often accompany an academic career.

The German government is aware of the problem, but it is struggling to improve working conditions by law, as the negotiations on the Fixed-Term Contract Act have just shown once again. For the Max Planck survey, a steering group interviewed 650 postdocs from more than 50 Max Planck Institutes between July and October 2022. However, the authors of the survey point out that the results cannot be transferred to other research organizations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Max Planck Society.

Bullying, discrimination or harassment

According to the survey, "a significant number" of postdocs have experienced at least one form of anti-social behavior in the workplace, such as bullying, discrimination or harassment. The postdocs report that nationality, gender identity, parenthood and ethnicity are the most common reasons for antisocial behavior against them. The authors of the survey assume that many postdocs do not report it when they are harassed or bullied.

There are two main reasons for this: the one who harasses them is in front of them and they do not want to risk consequences. Or: They don't know who to report bullying or harassment to. Three-quarters of all postdocs come from abroad and therefore may not know the language or the reporting structures, which can be very complex. The consequences are serious, structures that lead to bullying and abuse of power can become even more entrenched, as the authors of the survey note.

The PostdocNet therefore proposes a number of measures to address the problems:

  • There must be comprehensive preventive measures against psychological stress, and scientists should be specifically supported and relieved.

  • Anti-social behaviour should be effectively tackled in the workplace.

  • Inequalities in employment arrangements need to be eliminated.

  • Postdocs caring for children or relatives should be adequately supported.

  • Postdocs should have increased access to career development programs.

  • It should be ensured that postdocs adhere to the agreed working hours and take their vacation.

  • Institutes should support postdocs through contract extensions and the possibility to work remotely, thus also alleviating the effects of the corona pandemic.

Although the Max Planck Society prides itself on having expanded the contact points for victims of abuse of power and bullying, the research organization has established a staff unit for internal investigations and commissioned a law firm to which victims can turn. Nevertheless, the aid mechanisms do not seem to be working as hoped.

It was only last summer that the dismissed director of the institute, Nicole Boivin, called for stricter control of the Max Planck Society. In an open letter, the renowned archaeologist had criticized the lack of supervision by the federal and state governments: "There seems to be no effective oversight of the company's procedures or compliance with regulations."