A study to understand healthcare workers’ wellbeing

What’s the title of the study? 

Exploring Healthcare Workers’ Daily Lives and Wellbeing 

What’s the project about? 

This PhD project at the University of Leeds explores how healthcare workers experience everyday communication at work. In particular, moments when they speak up, stay silent, or hesitate.  

These decisions can impact emotional wellbeing and contribute to burnout. The study is open to healthcare staff across all roles and settings in the UK and involves an online survey and keeping a short daily diary over 7 days.  

The researchers hope to build a deeper understanding of what day-to-day communication feels like in healthcare, and how we can better support staff wellbeing. 

Who’s organising it? 

Name of project lead: Olga Lainidi 

Job title: PhD Researcher 

Organisation: University of Leeds 

Email address: o.lainidi@leeds.ac.uk 

Who can take part? 

You can take part if you: 

• Work in a healthcare role in the UK — including clinical and non-clinical settings 
• Have a permanent contract or a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months 

Unfortunately, NHS Bank staff or those who are employed on a short-term or casual contract are not eligible to take part in this phase of the study. 

Why do you want me to be involved? 

The researchers are especially keen to hear from healthcare professionals working in breast cancer care — including nurses, radiographers, oncologists and support teams.  

These roles often involve emotionally complex conversations, especially during diagnosis, treatment or end-of-life care. By sharing your experience, you’ll help highlight how everyday communication feels in cancer services.  

Your voice can help shape future research, inform staff wellbeing initiatives, and improve the support available for both staff and people with breast cancer. 

What will you ask me to do? 

Participation is fully online and involves two parts: 

• A one-time questionnaire (about 15 minutes) covering your work role, experiences, and wellbeing 
• A short diary to be completed once a day for 7 days (5–10 minutes per day), asking about moments you spoke up or stayed silent at work, and how it felt 

You’ll get daily reminders by text, and everything can be completed on a phone, tablet or computer. All data is confidential and you can withdraw at any time.  

Everyone who completes the full study will be entered into a prize draw for £50 and £100 GiftPay vouchers. 

How do I get involved? 

If you’d like to take part, please sign up online. If you have any questions or would like some more information, please email the lead researcher at o.lainidi@leeds.ac.uk.  

When’s the deadline? 

20 December 2025