Policy brief: Widening participation in data science: implementing policy for well-being in the workplace

People in data science work under high-pressure conditions, such as dealing with complex projects, tight deadlines, precarious contracts and large numbers of collaborators working across different contexts. This led to the authors, who are researchers in data-intensive fields, selecting mental health and well-being as a one of themes in this project. In this work, we applied a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEI&A) lens onto the topic of mental well-being at the workplace for “widening participation”. We conducted an initial policy review, exploratory interviews with OLS community members about workplace difficulties and resilience, and built upon those results through a group well-being intervention based on a support tool known as “Tree of Life”. Common challenges included lack of clarity, and training, communication issues, while coping strategies highlighted peer support. Bottom-up initiatives and virtual communities do have potential for nurturing well-being through advocacy and support for their members.