Dr Krystal Wilkinson works with charities and professional bodies to develop resources for the workplace so that all women are given the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.

Krystal was working in operational Human Resource Management roles and doing work for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in her free time, before deciding to pursue a career in academia.

When considering possible topics for doctoral research, Krystal first developed a specific interest in the work-life interface, wellbeing and equity in the workplace. She observed good recognition of the challenges for those balancing work with a young family, but also that less attention was given to other groups, and specifically those who lived alone.

Krystal explained: “At the time, many in my social circle were living alone and there was very little research on people like us, and little on women in their late-20s to mid-30s with a desire for a partner and children, but also balancing a demanding profession. So, I wanted my research to be about recognising equal outcomes for equal efforts and making sure workplaces enable employees to be the best that they can be.”

Although women have been given more opportunities in the workplace, Krystal’s research recognises the different circumstances and the tools needed to reach an equal outcome.

Krystal has continued to focus her research to influence organisations to be more inclusive for marginalised women in the workplace. Specific research interests have included solo-living (including during the pandemic), complex fertility journeys (including those undergoing fertility treatment, experiencing pregnancy loss, and/or coming to terms with childlessness), perinatal mental illness, and women’s heath more broadly.

“My publications tend to acknowledge the challenges people have going on outside of work and trying to find ways workplaces to support women to still do their job to the best of their abilities,” Krystal said. “In my personal case, my family went through something that shocked us all, after my little boy was born, and I lost my confidence, but because of the support from my managers I’ve had the most productive years working in this role, and have recently had a promotion. People do their jobs better if they are given the right support.”

Krystal’s research is making an impact within the University and via partnerships with employers, charities and the CIPD, informing policies and guidance on fertility treatment, pregnancy loss and perinatal mental health which is a dream come true for her.

Krystal said: “People might actually see the resources and use them in the workplace – to explain what people might be going through during fertility treatment, or what the different perinatal mental health conditions are, how work can have an impact on that, both positive and negative, and what organisations can do to better support people.”