Work, well-being and presence among researchers

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate which work factors researchers in the institute sector consider important for their well-being and presence at work. We interviewed eight researchers in depth regarding work, well-being, and presence at work. By use of content analysis, we identified five main themes associated with well-being and presence at work: performing high-quality research; meaningful work; job demands; autonomy; and social support. The opportunity to perform high-quality research was the most important condition for the researchers’ well-being and presence at work. This theme seems to be intertwined with the association between all the other four themes and well-being and presence, and may therefore be regarded as being at a higher level than the other themes. To promote well-being and presence at work, it is important to provide administrative support and to organize work so that the researchers can concentrate on what they regard as core work tasks.