Help and Support

I have an issue with my supervisor or work environment

→ Try to discuss it within your group if you feel comfortable
→ Contact your faculty HR advisor
→ You can also reach out to a confidential advisor for independent and private support
→ You can contact the neutral ombudsman.

Confidential advisors are a good first step if you are unsure how to proceed.

I have questions about my contract, salary, or employment conditions

→ Contact your faculty HR advisor

They can help with:

• contract details and extensions
• salary, payslips, and leave
• policies and regulations

I feel stressed, overwhelmed, or need personal support

→ Contact wellbeing or counselling services at UT

You can get support for:

• stress or burnout
• work-life balance
• personal or professional challenges

If you are unable to work due to illness, you should report your sick leave in the AFAS system. During sick leave, your salary is continued in line with Dutch employment regulations and the university’s collective labour agreement. You are not expected to work while sick.

If your absence becomes longer-term or repeated, for example due to burnout or ongoing health issues, you will be supported through a structured process. This usually involves talking with your Head of Department and HR, and being contacted by the company doctor (bedrijfsarts), who provides independent medical advice and helps guide your recovery and return-to-work plan. Your privacy is protected: medical details are not shared with your supervisor or Head of Department. The focus is on a gradual and sustainable return to work, which may include adjusted tasks or reduced hours.

Seeking support early is encouraged and completely normal.

I am experiencing conflict, unsafe situations, or inappropriate behaviour

→ Contact a confidential advisor

They can:

• listen in confidence
• help you understand your options
• guide you on possible next steps

You are not required to take formal action to speak with them.

→ Contact the complaints or disputes committee

They will review and assess your concerns.

I have questions about my residence permit or visa

→ Contact HR

They can assist with:

• residence permits
• visa extensions
• orientation year options

I am looking for housing

→ Check UT housing information and support pages
→ Use platforms such as Pararius or Kamernet
→ Join our Postdoc WhatsApp group for informal housing posts

Start early—housing can be competitive.

I don’t know who to contact

→ Start with the Postdoc Board

We can help you navigate UT structures and direct you to the right person or service.

• Many support services at UT are confidential
• You can ask questions without committing to formal action
• It is always okay to ask for help, even if you are unsure

If something feels unclear or difficult, you’re probably not the only one experiencing it. Reaching out early often makes things much easier to resolve.