Christian Ståhl

Professor

I am a sociologist involved in research and teaching on working life and welfare systems.

Presentation

My research focuses on how people relate to work, and how welfare systems are organised to manage illness and unemployment. I have a specific interest in organisational and political aspects. Research projects focus on sickness insurance, work ability assessments, cooperation, and conditions for return to work after work disability.

News

Universal basic income can improve mental health

Can a universal basic income be an alternate to benefits for people who have been long unemployed? A new report from Linköping University has examined for official bodies in Östergötland whether such a solution is worth testing.

Lower demands at work to reduce burnout

There is no support for the idea that high demands at work can be compensated by increased freedom of action and social support. This is a myth: the demands in themselves can lead to burnout.

Publications

Recent publications

2025

Ellinor Tengelin, Linda Corin, Christian Ståhl, Monica Bertilsson (2025) How managers support capacity to work in employees experiencing common mental disorders: a focus group study Disability and Rehabilitation (Article in journal)

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Ignacio Gonzalez Vazquez, Alvaro Mariscal De Gante Martin, Carin Håkansta, Pille Strauss-Raats, Christian Ståhl, Lisa Ferm, Rafael Grande, Alberto Vallejo, Ruben Lind, Lisen Löwstedt, Ninni Norlinder (2025) Work in the green and digital transition: Insights from case studies in Spain and Sweden

Cecilia Enberg, Christian Ståhl (2025) Tangled Up in Green: A Review of Policy Analyses of the European Green Deal Sustainable Development (Article, review/survey)

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Research projects

GROWL: Greening of Working Life

To meet climate goals, the world of work must undergo a transformation. The GROWL research group focuses on the people, organizations, and policies involved in the green transition of working life.

Isometric virtual office with business people working together and mobile devices: business management, online communication and finance concept.

Work environment management: conditions and consequences

The work environment is important for people in working life. Still, there is a lack of knowledge regarding management of work environment and health, and what impact this has for how the work environment develops.

An inclusive labour market?

Increased demands in working life have resulted in many people being outside the regular labor market. This research project examines labour market policy measures for jobseekers with disabilities.

Organisation

Three people disussing. They are at a warehouse.

Division of Education and Sociology (APS)

Sustainable work and working life is the focus of the division’s research and education covering both pedagogy and sociology. Current research projects concern learning, leadership, equality, health and working conditions.

Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL)

Human behaviour and learning is the focus for education and research at the department. We educate students and scientists that are well equipped to meet future challenges in society and working life.