Focus on constructive communication in 2017

AU’s psychological workplace assessment showed that the tone is perceived as harsh in some areas of the university. Therefore, the Main Occupational Health and Safety Committee (HAMU) and the Main Liaison Committee (HSU) have decided to put extra focus on constructive communication at the entire university in 2017.

Rector and chair of the Main Occupational Health and Safety Committee and the Main Liaison Committee, Brian Bech Nielsen, encourages everyone to support this. “Constructive communication is a prerequisite for a good psychological workplace environment at the university – and anywhere else for that matter. We should think about how we communicate and how the communication is received. We should also be extra careful when we write emails. When something is put into writing, it can easily be perceived as more cold and direct than what was actually intended. Even when it is relevant to express criticism, the message can be given in a constructive way,” says Brian Bech Nielsen.

During the first quarter of 2017, the chair and vice-chair of the Main Occupational Health and Safety Committee and the Main Liaison Committee will discuss a proposal for how we can work to ensure constructive communication at Aarhus University. 

In addition to the extra focus on constructive communication, the faculties and the administration are working with the WPA action plans based on the reports from the 2016 psychological WPA. This work includes local initiatives and the four recommended AU themes. 

Additional information

·         Read more about the occupational health and safety organisation on the website