Work Life Balance

Core Working Hours Policy

The UCD School of Agriculture supports the UCD Core Meeting Hours policy and requests that all meetings are scheduled between 9.30am and 4pm where possible. View Policy.

Out of Hours Email Policy 

Employees at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science are not expected to read or reply to emails outside of their normal working hours, except in exceptional situations.This policy is designed to promote employee wellbeing and encourage recovery time away from work.  View Policy

Flexible Working and leave options

The University aims to promote work life balance for all staff members and has a range of flexible working and leave options available to staff. Visit the UCD HR page for details on a range of policies.  

Support

UCD offers a range of services and networks to support employees in their personal lives.

• Supports for Carers - https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/supportsforcarers/
• Supports for Parents - https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/supportsforparents/
• Breastfeeding Facilities at UCD - https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/breastfeedingfacilities/
• Bereavement Support Group - https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/bereavementsupportgroup/
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committees and Support Groups https://www.ucd.ie/equality/groups/
• https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/

UCD Culture and Engagement is supported by UCD HR and works to encourage employee engagement across the university. A number of initiatives and events are hosted each year. 

Healthy UCD hosts a range of activities to suit all age groups and fitness levels to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the UCD community. View activities. 

WEEKLY EZINE: Be sure to check out the weekly ‘Culture and Engagement’ ezine for all upcoming events. 

Employee Assistance Service

The UCD Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is a 24/7 free and confidential support service for UCD staff. The service is operated confidentially by Spectrum.Life and a fully qualified team of counsellors and experts are available to offer support on a range of personal and work-related issues.

Mental Health and Wellbeing at UCD 

UCD is committed to the creation of a work environment whereby every employee can feel supported no matter what issues they may be facing in life and where mental health and wellbeing is promoted. Read more here

Mental Health First Aid Peer Support Group

The UCD Mental Health First Aid Peer Support Group is a new initiative and was established to offer support to employees who may be feeling overwhelmed at any stage of their lives or are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing. All members of this Peer Support Group have been trained in Mental Health First Aid with (opens in a new window)Mental Health First Aid Ireland. 

Deirdre O’Connor, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is a member of the UCD peer support team. Deirdre can be contacted on: deirdre.oconnor@ucd.ie 

Healthy UCD Events

Healthy UCD hosts a range of activities supporting mental wellbeing of the UCD community such as Mindfulness and Relaxation classes. 

Financial Wellbeing

Special offers for UCD Employees