This thought-provoking article Invisible Labour: Visible Activism (Montano, Toral & Percy) explores the concept of “invisible labour”: the often unseen work that supports students, colleagues, departments and institutions but may not always be formally recognised or rewarded.

Examples might include mentoring, pastoral support, committee work, relationship-building, emotional labour, inclusion activities, helping colleagues navigate challenges or quietly ensuring that projects and teams continue to function effectively. While the article focuses particularly on the experiences of women in higher education, many of the themes will resonate more broadly across academia.

Rather than offering practical solutions, the article provides a lens through which to think about contribution, recognition and value. It encourages readers to consider which activities are visible and rewarded, which remain largely unnoticed, and how this shapes both academic careers and institutional culture.

For established researchers who identify with the ‘Independent Scholar’ persona, whose influence is often expressed through supporting others, intellectual leadership, collaboration and service, the article offers an opportunity to reflect on the breadth of their contribution and the many ways academic impact extends beyond publications and grants.

Many academics instinctively focus on the outputs they produce while overlooking the support, leadership and care they provide to others. This article invites us to pause and consider a broader question: What kinds of work help academic communities thrive, and how visible are those contributions to ourselves and others? Reflecting on this question may help you develop a richer understanding of your own contribution and the many ways academic influence extends beyond publications, grants and formal leadership roles.

Related resources:

• Map your contributions
• Get to grips with promotions criteria, process and people
• Committing to committees
• Mapping contributions against institutional strategies
• Use mentoring and sponsorship
• Influencing within Higher Education (FLF Development Network Influencing Toolkit)