Lieke Bakker is a PhD-candidate at the Utrecht University School of Governance (USG). Her PhD project focuses on the wellbeing and healthcare utilisation of healthcare workers, with quantitative big data research using administrative data being an essential element. The goal of her research is to, from a public administration perspective, map the elements that worsen the wellbeing of healthcare workers, pinpoint how the characteristics of the work environment can impact wellbeing and to find ways to improve their wellbeing. 

Ongoing research in this project explores, among other things, the influence of regional workforce and client ageing on healthcare employees' healthcare utilisation and how managers and co-workers influence disclosure on mental health use.