The CO-OPERATION project explores the experiences of employees in critical professions (CPs), such as healthcare, and police, in Slovenia and Austria as they navigate complex crises (e.g., COVID-19). The project aims to identify protective factors at the individual, micro, meso, and macro levels in crisis and operational situations. To achieve this, the project includes expert interviews with stakeholders within organizations as well as a prospective four time point longitudinal study among individuals in critical professions. The findings will inform future support measures and policies aimed at enhancing their resilience and well-being.

The CO-OPERATION project is a collaborative initiative between the University of Klagenfurt and the University of Ljubljana, led by Principal Investigators Univ.-Prof. Heather Foran and Univ. Prof. Dr. Janja Vuga Beršnak.

University of Klagenfurt, Austria
Univ.-Prof. Heather Foran
Ass.-Prof. Heidi Siller (on leave)
Dr. Janina Müller
Katharina Buß
Dr. Rita Helena Phillips
Dipl.Ing. Stefan Haan, B.Sc.B.Sc.

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Univ. Prof. Dr. Janja Vuga Beršnak
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojana Lobe
Assist. Prof. Dr. Andreja Živoder
Assist. Prof. Dr. Miha Šlebir
Prof. Dr. Ljubica Jelušič
Assist. Prof. Dr. Jelena Juvan
Gašper Ferme

The qualitative expert interviews in Austria and Slovenia have been completed. The longitudinal study launched in October 2025, with the first assessment finished in December 2025. The second measurement is now underway and expected to conclude in March 2026. We look forward to gaining further valuable insights and greatly appreciate the involvement and contributions of the first responders who participated.

Important study materials will be shared here.