Innovation Scholarship for PhD Researchers

PhD Innovation Scholarship

Every two years, the NSvP offers two PhD-Valorisation grants of €5,000 to PhDs in Work and Organizational psychology and HRM-related studies. In this way, the NSvP aims to provide PhD researchers with the opportunity to bring their new knowledge further into practice, for broader societal impact. The honoured projects address two main themes: Sustainable Careers for Young Workers (Yoy Bergs) and Visibility of Practitioners in Workplace Innovation (Wouter van Zwol and Amber Kornet from Radboud University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences).

Yoy's Innovative Approach

Yoy Bergs focuses on the mental health of young workers with her project Mensje (N)Ooitgenoeg (The Very Hungry Human). Her doctoral research shows that young adults are under high pressure to combine different identities (work, private, online), which can lead to mental health issues. The 'Mensje (N)Ooitgenoeg' programme aims to develop an identity-focused intervention, including an 'identity reflection journal' that helps young workers balance their different roles and use social media consciously. The goal is to promote sustainable careers and well-being.

Valuable Insights for HRM

What makes her approach innovative is the focus on competing identities inside and outside of work. Instead of looking exclusively at workload or task balance in work, she explores how young people learn to navigate between different roles and expectations. She is working on a workbook and digital application that contributes to greater self-insight and sustainable careers. Her research also offers valuable insights for HRM and executives. Her project is characterised by the Design Thinking approach, in which the work field and young professionals are involved in the development of the tool from the start.

Would you like to know more about this PhD research? Then be sure to contact Yoy Bergs ([email protected]) and follow the project on her LinkedIn.