The power of researcher communities: actions towards better mental well-being in academic workplaces

This article delves into the mental health crisis in academia, highlighting the challenges associated with the growing cases of psychological problems among academic employees and Early-Career Researchers (ECRs). We demonstrate how the Researcher Mental Health Observatory (ReMO) community addressed these issues through networking, awareness raising, and advocating for actions to nurture a supportive work environment and remove stigma from mental health problems. Moreover, we highlight the role of institutions in promoting mental health, showcase instruments to collect data on academic working conditions, and discuss initiatives like the well-being ambassador programme aimed at supporting ECRs in their career development and mental well-being. Additionally, we touch upon the importance of self-care behaviours and peer support in academia. We conclude by highlighting the ongoing discussions on mental health, well-being, and healthy academic working environments, underscoring the long-lasting impact of the ReMO community’s efforts in the European academic world.