Academic and administrative workloads have skyrocketed over the last ten years, and women bear a disproportionate burden. How can universities tackle this common problem?

A case study in making workload models fairer

In 2022, the University of Newcastle decided they needed change. Their academic staff had 23 models of workload allocation, and they were inconsistently applied. It was impacting staff morale, equitable career progression, and student experiences.

Times Higher Education explores how UoN used the SAGE Workload Allocation Principles Matrix to bring in a fairer, institution-wide approach, earning them a SAGE Cygnet Award for consistent work allocation models in the process. In this article, the University describes the challenges they were facing and offer some great tips on how to replicate their success.

Use the tool in your workplace

This tool was developed by the the SAGE Special Interest Group on Workload and has been piloted by institutions from our Network.

Download the tool now:

Also available:

Credit where credit’s due

Special thanks to the SAGE Special Interest Group on Workload, which developed the Matrix:

Liz Mackinlay (University of Queensland)
Cate Thomas (Charles Sturt University)
Kieryn McKay (Western Sydney University)
Tara Magdalinksi (Swinburne University)
Analise O’Donavan (Griffith University)
Nicci Poole (Griffith University)
Steve Wilcox (University of the Sunshine Coast)
Kate Huppatz (Western Sydney University)
Peter Bansel (Western Sydney University)
Kaye Mazzoleni (Curtin University)
Jenna Ardagh (Edith Cowan University).