Tag: culture
Fostering a culture of guilt-free time off
Feeling guilty about taking time off work is common in academia. This guilt often stems from organisational culture where everyone is expected to work during leave. To break free from this guilt trap, we need a strong culture that values time off, starting with leadership and permeating the entire organisation.
Time for doing nothing
In academia’s high-pressure environment, the “always-on” mentality often leaves little room for rest. But academics deserve downtime without justification. Here are a few practical strategies for unplugging and making time to do nothing.
Tony Fadell: Build
Build, by Tony Fadell, combines career insights and product innovation advice from the creator of the iPod and Nest thermostat. His book provides a blueprint for high-impact career choices, iterative development, and leadership, making it valuable for anyone interested in innovative design or who is looking for a radical perspective on academic career development.
Jason Fried and David Hansson: Rework
Rework by Jason Fried and David Hansson challenges conventional approaches to work and management, advocating for a minimalist, practical mindset. By focusing on essential tasks, rejecting unnecessary meetings, and embracing constraints, the book empowers readers to maximise productivity and create a sustainable, impact-driven work culture.
Academic freedom requires cognitive freedom
Academic freedom creates a protected space for you to think about – and talk about – challenging and controversial ideas. But there’s no point in having academic freedom if you spend your life in your inbox.
Challenging the culture of busyness in academia
By recognising that busyness doesn’t equal productivity, we can foster a culture that values focus, intention, and sustainable work habits.
Adam Grant: Give and take
Give and Take by Adam Grant explores how giving, taking, and matching reciprocity styles impact personal and professional success. Through research and real-life examples, Grant shows that selfless, strategic giving fosters collaboration, builds trust, and creates long-term advantages—especially valuable in academic and professional environments that thrive on partnership and mentorship.