HoD News - 25 June 2021

Dear colleagues,

Yet another different spring semester has passed, and I believe both staff and students are looking forward to the summer period and a break from our computer screens, including Zoom lectures and Teams meetings. I hope that most of you can look forward to a well-deserved summer holiday over the next couple of months.

ECON as a workplace

Many of the restrictions we have been living with for months have either been eased or lifted completely. So, when we return to work in August, Aarhus University will be fully open, and we can welcome all staff back to campus Fuglesangs Allé. It will no longer be required to present documentation of a negative test result/a valid COVID-19 passport, but of course we must all keep in mind the good habits of hygiene and appropriate distancing.

As mentioned in my previous newsletter, there is no doubt that we are returning to a workplace in which new ways of working, teaching and collaborating will continue. As a workplace we must carefully consider how we can find the right balance between individual needs and requests for flexibility, including remote working, without compromising on the importance of being a physical and vibrant work and study environment for both staff and students.   

To map out employee reflections and experiences from this past year, including the input given at the staff development dialogues (MUS) in 2020, LSU (the local liaison committee) and ECON’s Departmental Forum will initiate a staff survey focusing on the different aspects to consider in relation to the post Corona workplace. Following up on this process, the department management and the section councils will have local discussions. We expect to communicate the outcome at the beginning of the autumn semester.

I look forward to meeting all colleagues again in the autumn term. Don’t forget that the department will be hosting a Friday bar on 27 August. A formal invitation will follow soon.

On behalf on the management team, I wish you and your families a very nice summer. 

Niels Haldrup