Come to Mindlab: 'We are collectively responsible for our social safety'
The Mindlab theatre and discussion programme will launch at the Faculty of Humanities at the end of September. What exactly does this programme on social safety entail? And who is it intended for? HR adviser Brigitte Heming explains.
What is Mindlab?
'Mindlab is a play about socially unsafe work situations in the academic workplace. It deals, for example, with power relations, intimidation, the role of the supervisor and integrity. These are topics that many people find it difficult to talk about. The play is intended to help with this by acting as a conversation starter. After each performance, there is an opportunity to talk about it in groups, about the play, but also about your own situation.'
Why was this approach chosen?
'The Personnel Monitors of the past few years have consistently shown that social safety within the faculty could be improved. At the time, we always found that we needed to have a conversation with each other about this, but it differed per department and institute how those conversations were conducted. That's why we decided to tackle the issue now at the faculty level. The theatre performance is going to help us create a common framework that we can use to start the conversation.'
Who is Mindlab for?
'Everyone who works at the Faculty of Humanities is welcome. Ultimately, we have to do it together, so we hope everyone will take the opportunity to attend a performance.'
The performance has been staged before for supervisory staff. Did you take anything away from that?
'After that first performance, we noticed that people reacted very differently. Some were really moved emotionally, while others had a more rational response. You can also see that in the word cloud we made after this performance. The terms range from "complex" to "recognisable”. So we put even more effort into having open conversations where every experience matters. I hope this will also help people open up to the play.'
What can we expect from Mindlab afterwards?
'We hope that the play will help start the conversation about a safe working environment within departments and institutions as well. That's what we're focusing on in the autumn of 2023. Then in 2024 we’ll put the topic back on the faculty agenda with an activity for all departments and institutes.'
The Mindlab performances will take place on 25, 26 and 27 September 2023 at 14.00 and 18.00 hrs in Gebr. de Nobel. Each performance has English surtitles and will be followed by discussions held in groups. You can sign up here.