aau/MüllerPsychologist Theresa Tschauko is conducting research into how different stages of women’s health affect their work behaviour as member of the research group Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management. The conclusion of her work to date is that women carry on working – even when it hurts.
In her doctoral thesis, Theresa Tschauko examines how the issues surrounding women’s health affect their work behaviour. “I am particularly interested in attendance patterns, specifically presenteeism and absenteeism. Do women come to work even when in pain, or do they stay at home? And to whom within the company do they disclose the symptoms of their discomfort?,” Theresa Tschauko reflects. “For most people, the subject is heavily stigmatised, so the logical, culturally and socially conditioned conclusion for many women is to go to work despite their symptoms. And, if necessary, to keep going while taking strong painkillers.”
To get to the bottom of her research question, Theresa Tschauko recently conducted a longitudinal study on “Menstruation in the Workplace”. Women were asked about their presenteeism, pain levels and cycle length, as well as who they confide in about their problems and whether they felt pressure from their employer to come to work even when unwell. Her findings have not yet been published, but Theresa Tschauko is already able to offer a brief insight: “Most women go to work despite experiencing symptoms. And for many women, the question of disclosing health issues within the company is a significant concern.”
To date, Theresa Tschauko’s research has focused on European countries such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. However, she knows from the work of other researchers that the subject is even more of a taboo in other countries. “But stigmatisation exists here too. It is important to me to show that women work despite their symptoms and manage to get a great deal of work done, whilst simultaneously bearing a heavy burden, for example through caregiving responsibilities,” says Theresa Tschauko, adding: “Women use their strengths in such a way that, despite health challenges, there is no loss of productivity.”
Theresa Tschauko is conducting her research as part of her role as university assistant at the Department of Management within Heiko Breitsohl’s research group, which focuses extensively on issues relating to presenteeism – that is, the phenomenon of going to work whilst unwell. Theresa Tschauko studied psychology at the University of Klagenfurt, where she also completed her introductory course in psychotherapy. She has been employed as a university assistant since December 2023; she is also currently completing a training course in sports psychology. As a doctoral candidate in the University of Klagenfurt’s Young Scientist Mentoring programme, she most recently undertook a research visit working with Alexandra Sasha Cook at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
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A few words with … Theresa Tschauko
When was the last time you discussed your research with someone outside the scientific community?
I last spoke about it with my fellow sports psychology trainees – but actually, I talk about it all the time. The topic is of particular interest to women and always sparks a lively discussion.
What is the first thing you do in the office each morning?
Switch on the computer, make a cup of coffee, go through my to-do list and plan the day.
Who do you regard as the greatest scientist in history, and why?
I don’t admire any one female scientist in particular, but rather a number of them whose work is particularly relevant to me – researchers who expose structural taboos whilst employing sound methodology. I am particularly impressed by Alicia A. Grandey, who demonstrates how invisible demands such as emotional labour can significantly impact women’s health. Kathleen Riach has set new standards with her research into the menopause and inequality in the workplace. I am equally inspired by Sasha Cook, who highlights that health in the workplace is not just an individual issue, but also an organisational and societal one.
What makes you furious?
Injust power structures.
Condescending behaviour in academia.
When good work goes unheard because hierarchies are louder than arguments.
And when women’s bodies are either treated as taboo or trivialised.
And what calms you down?
A working R-code, sport, and chats with colleagues, friends and my family.
Do you take proper holidays? Without thinking about your work?
To be honest, never really. I don’t think about it all the time, but my mind is always working on it – because I’m genuinely passionate about the subject and it’s so relevant to everyday life that we are constantly confronted with it.
What are you afraid of?
Dependence on unjust structures, and the fact that commitment and determination alone are not enough.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to lots of things right now – including Sasha Cook’s visit to our university, the summer, and a few good tennis matches.
Der Beitrag Menstruation, motherhood and the menopause: “Women work – and so do their bodies” erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.