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Aikido
The Aikido department offers ongoing activities in the areas of self-defence (Aikido, personal safety and self-defence), relaxation (Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga), and fitness (Aroha).
Learn more here.
AzubiFIT
The aim is to support successful training at KIT by offering measures that promote health and well-being. AzubiFIT consists of the following modules:
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Introductory week
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Ergonomics
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Physical activity
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Nutrition
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Addiction prevention
Active Break (“Aktivpause”)
The Active Break is a 15-minute, low-threshold physical activity offer at the workplace. It includes a mix of mobility, stretching, strengthening, coordination, loosening, and relaxation exercises for the whole body. The session is offered online and can also be delivered on site for groups of 4 to 8 people. Learn more.
Conflicts are natural and unavoidable in professional life. At KIT, different people, working styles, and opinions come together. Addressing these differences often creates added value for everyone involved. Sometimes, however, work-related issues as well as personal problems can become a burden for individuals or the working environment.
The Conflict Management Network offers contact points for advice and support in conflict situations. Consultations are confidential; advisors are bound by statutory confidentiality obligations.
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Balancing Minds in Science – An Online Series on Well-Being in Academia
This online series offers a space to explore well-being topics relevant to the academic and research environment.
Why does this matter?
Academia is a rewarding yet high-pressure environment. Maintaining health and mental balance is essential for long-term success. Whether you are navigating power dynamics, balancing research and caregiving responsibilities, or learning how to establish healthy boundaries, these sessions provide practical insights and tools for personal and professional well-being.
Basketball
In the recreational team, the focus is on enjoying the game. Interested participants are always welcome and can either drop by during training or contact Elias Hamann in advance.
Training times: Tue 18:00–20:00, Sports Hall B, Eggenstein
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Care Guides (PEBA Family Support Services)
If a need for long-term care arises in your personal environment or if additional support in everyday life becomes necessary, you are welcome to contact the Care Guides within KIT’s Family Support Services.
They provide access to suitable contact persons both within and outside KIT, offer guidance on next steps, and help discuss individual support options for daily life.
Further information is also available on the website Work and Care.
Calisthenics Park
Strength training in the fresh air? With the outdoor fitness equipment park by Turnbar, we now offer a great opportunity to take your workout outdoors. The wide range of training options is perfect for freeletics and calisthenics enthusiasts.
Click here to book your session!
Company Sports (Betriebssport)
KIT offers more than 70 different sports. Here you can find an overview of the company sports programs available at KIT.
Conflict Counseling
Conflicts are natural and unavoidable in professional life. At KIT, people with different backgrounds, working styles, and opinions come together. Constructive conflict management often creates added value for everyone involved.
The Conflict Management Network offers confidential counseling and support. All counselors are bound by professional confidentiality.
Coaching
Coaching is the professional counseling, guidance, and support of individuals with leadership or management responsibilities. Through coaching, you develop solutions, identify personal resources, and gain new perspectives and scope for action. Coaching is a time-limited process, and all sessions are strictly confidential.
Offers are available through the Psychosocial Counseling Service (KMB) and PEBA.
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Diversity Management
With its Diversity Statement, KIT laid the foundation for diversity management in 2022. The target group includes all employees at KIT.
Discrimination & Racism
At KIT, there is a working group on Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination that provides information and contact points for support.
You can find more information here.
If you have a concern and are unsure where to turn, you are welcome to contact the KIT feedback and support mailbox (“Kummerkasten”):
Digital Health Coach
ISA, the intelligent sitting behavior assistant and digital health coach, is a unique AI-based solution designed to improve personal sitting habits, enhance individual performance, promote long-term health, and actively prevent pain.
During the pilot phase until December 2023, this program was used more extensively than expected and received very positive feedback.
Further information on ISA and how to order it free of charge can be found under “Healthy & Safe Working".
Diving
Introductory courses provide beginners with access to the underwater world. For advanced participants, a full range of specialized courses is offered, including Nitrox certification up to Gold Diver *** level. All necessary equipment is provided.
Training time:
Tuesday, 7:45–9:30 p.m.
Fächerbad Karlsruhe
More information available here.
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Ergonomic Aids for Screen Workstations
FAS/MED provides various ergonomic aids such as vertical mice, document holders, footrests, and more, which can be borrowed for trial use if required.
An overview and further information can be found here.
Exoskeletons
An exoskeleton is a supportive device that can be used in the workplace to help prevent work-related injuries among physically active employees by reducing physical strain and accident risks (Terstegen & Sandrock, 2019).
Today, a wide range of exoskeletons is available. In a pilot project, the Health Management team investigated the acceptance and implementation process of exoskeletons in various workshops at KIT.
If you are interested in the study or in the topic of exoskeletons in general, please contact:
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Football
Football enthusiasts of all ages and professional backgrounds are united by their enjoyment of the game without a strict training programme. Friendly matches with other recreational teams help prepare for participation in tournaments.
Training times:
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Sports Field at Schröcker Tor (floodlit in winter)
More information available here.
Fitness Test
The European Fitness Badge is an individual certification of your health-related fitness status. It allows you to assess your fitness level and supports positive changes toward a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Further information is available here.
Family Portal
To provide our employees and students with comprehensive information on balancing studies, work, and family life, KIT has established the Family Portal.
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Harassment & Sexual Violence
The Working Group Against Sexual Violence and Harassment offers counseling and support in cases of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, and stalking.
Support services and further information are available here!
Healthy Leadership
Would you like to strengthen health and well-being in your department?
Our various programs support managers in learning and applying healthy leadership practices in their daily work. Together, we foster an organizational culture based on respect, appreciation, and a sound understanding of the importance of workplace health.
High Blood Pressure – Prevention
See Digital Services for related offers and information.
Hochschulsport
University Sports at KIT offers a wide range of sports activities for more than 4,000 students and employees in over 70 different disciplines. With around 340 courses held at 30 locations across Karlsruhe, participants can find the ideal balance between work, studies, and physical activity. More than 500 qualified instructors and the entire university sports team look forward to welcoming you!
Healthy Working in the Home Office
Learn how to set up a healthy and ergonomic workstation for working with display screen equipment at home.
Find out more about creating an optimal home office environment that supports your health, comfort, and productivity.
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Set clear working hours
-> Define your working hours to ensure focused, limited work time for yourself and for those around you. -
Create a suitable workspace
-> Set up an ergonomic workstation. Use the guidelines above as a reference. A comfortable room temperature and fresh air also support concentration.
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Structure your workday with movement
-> Include regular mental and physical activity throughout the day. This supports sustainable performance and increases productivity and energy.
-> Screen-based work should be interrupted by other activities (e.g. standing phone calls) or regular breaks. A 10-minute break every 40–60 minutes is recommended.
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Minimize distractions
-> Put your smartphone aside, mute notifications, and create a quiet working environment. Coordinate with family members who are also working from home.
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Plan your tasks daily
-> Create a daily to-do list to structure your work and stay focused.
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Maintain work–life boundaries
-> Try to separate work and private life as clearly as possible
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Inclusive Work & Inclusion Officer
“Promoting Diversity – Employment of People with Disabilities at KIT”
This document provides guidance on how inclusion and the employment of people with disabilities can be successfully implemented at KIT.
Our contact person for questions regarding the protection and support of employees with severe disabilities can be found here.
Inclusive Work
The Center for Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technologies (ACCESS∂KIT) has been supporting and advocating for people with visual impairments and blindness in research and teaching for many years.
Intelligent Sitting Behavior Assistant
ISA, the intelligent sitting behavior assistant and health coach, is a unique AI-based solution designed to improve personal (sitting) habits, enhance performance, support long-term health, and actively prevent pain.
Due to its high acceptance during the pilot phase until December 2023, the program continued in 2024.
Further information on ISA and how to book it free of charge can be found under “Digital Services.”
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KIT SC e.V.
ONE PASSION, ONE CLUB. KIT SC.
KIT SC is the sports club of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The club is based on three pillars: competitive sports, recreational sports, and health promotion.
More information available here.
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Men’s Health
The platform “Mann, was geht?!” focuses on men’s health. Topics include questions such as: What stresses me out? What gives me strength? In addition to a toolbox covering various topics, the platform also offers an online self-check.
https://www.mann-was-geht.de/
A wide range of topics related to men’s health is also available from the Federal Institute of Public Health (Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit) via its Men’s Health Portal:
https://www.maennergesundheitsportal.de/
If you have any questions regarding your health, you can contact KIT Occupational Medicine in confidence.
Menopause and Work
Menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase in every woman’s life. It consists of several stages and typically begins with the premenopausal phase in the mid-40s. Overall, the menopausal transition may last between 10 and 15 years.
Due to hormonal changes, up to 80% of women experience mild to severe symptoms. These may include hot flashes, excessive sweating, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, joint pain, mood fluctuations, depressive symptoms, weight changes, and sleep disturbances. Such symptoms can have a substantial impact on daily life and professional activities.
Each year, many highly qualified and experienced women reduce their working hours, retire early, or change employment due to menopause-related challenges. This topic has increasingly gained attention in occupational health and workplace research.
Insights from recent research are available here.
A current guide on menopause can be found via the ARD Media Library:
Further information on menopause is available, for example, at:
Mental Health / Psychological Well-Being / Mental Health Crises
Here you will find contact points and support services.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness at Work
You can find offers to explore and practice mindfulness under “Mental Health, Mindfulness & Relaxation.”
Mindfulness Training (Videos)
Here you will find exercises for the MBSR training (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) according to Prof. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, available for download.
Mindfulness Coaching
The mindfulness coaching is an offer provided by PEBA. It:
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shows ways out of the stress spiral towards inner balance,
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identifies energy-draining thought and behavior patterns,
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supports awareness of personal needs,
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promotes the integration of mindfulness into everyday life.
Further information, contact details, and appointment scheduling via:
MBSR Seminars (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
A mindfulness-based programme for stress management developed by Prof. Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn. The MBSR method promotes key competencies—self-awareness, emotional intelligence, creativity, openness, composure, and perseverance—that are increasingly important in modern working life as well as in private life.
@Leadership
This workshop is exclusively for managers and supervisors. Learn more here.
@Work
This workshop is for KIT employees. Learn more.
Contact: Further information is available on the KMB pages here.
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New Balance – Health in the New Normal
“Health in the New Normal” is the central objective of the KIT strategic project New Balance.
The project aims to identify key factors of mobile and digitally supported working and studying that influence health, work–life balance, and self-perceived productivity.
More information available here.
Networks
Conflict Management Network
This network provides contact points for counseling and support in conflict situations. All consultations are confidential, and counselors are bound by professional confidentiality.
KIT Office Network
This forum offers employees in administration and infrastructure opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and professional networking.
(KIT-ON team page accessible to members only.)
Radiation Protection Network
Provides services and information related to radiation protection at KIT, including laboratories, dosimetry, medical services, consulting, approvals, and knowledge exchange.
Women in Science at KIT (WiKIT)
WiKIT is a network of female scientists and engineers working in research, administration, and infrastructure at KIT.
Women Professors Forum
This network supports female professors at KIT and aims to increase their visibility.
Newsletter
Here you will find newsletters published several times a year, providing an overview of current initiatives and health promotion activities.
Nutritional Counseling
If you would like support in adopting a healthier diet, the team of the Medical Services is happy to advise and assist you.
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Performance and Fitness Diagnostics
Would you like to assess your fitness, endurance, strength, or mobility? Visit the Performance Diagnostics Unit at the Institute of Sports and Sports Science.
In addition, the walk-in Center for Fitness, Health, and Diagnostics also offers relevant services.
If you are returning after a longer break from physical activity and are unsure how to restart safely, please contact the Medical Services (MED) for professional advice.
Occupational Health Preventive Care and Medical Examinations
The primary objectives are the early detection of work-related health complaints and the prevention of occupational diseases.
Occupational health services assess both workplace-related exposures and the health status of employees.
Effective occupational health prevention includes:
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Early identification of workplace-related hazards, including through occupational health preventive examinations, and the resulting prevention of harmful effects
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Counseling for employees and responsible parties on preventive care and health-promoting behavior
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Support for professional reintegration following longer periods of illness, with or without permanent limitations
Further information on the services provided by KIT Medical Services is available here.
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Racism & Discrimination
At KIT, the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Working Group brings together information and contact points related to discrimination and unequal treatment.
Further information is available here!
If you have concerns and are unsure where to turn, you may also contact the KIT Ombuds and Support Service (“Kummerkasten”):
Recipes
Recipe Book: “Healthy and Sustainable Snack Breaks”
With healthy snacks, you can make a valuable contribution to balanced nutrition, improved performance, well-being, and enjoyment
The recipe book “Healthy and Sustainable Snack Breaks” (PDF), published by the Green Campus Office and the Green Alternative Student Group, shows how health and sustainability can be combined in everyday snacks.
Vegan Cookbooks
The vegan cookbooks of the Green Alternative Student Group offer a wide range of delicious recipes for cooking and baking at home. Many dishes are easy and quick to prepare and suitable as snacks or packed lunches.
Weekly Meal Plan
With the BZfE spring weekly meal plan, you can shop once using a prepared shopping list and have all ingredients for seven healthy meals at home.
The plan provides creative and varied seasonal recipes for each day of the week, offering flexibility for personal preferences and creativity.
Resilience: The Seven Pillars of Inner Strength
Resilience research focuses on how people remain healthy during and after times of crisis. It examines the characteristics that help individuals successfully cope with challenging life events.
Seven key resilience factors have been identified that support mental and emotional well-being in difficult situations.
The introductory lecture provides an overview of these seven pillars. This is followed by an interactive online workshop series, in which each pillar is explored through group discussions and practical exercises.
More information and current dates are available here.
Relaxation Courses
Various relaxation opportunities (such as yoga, qigong, and mindfulness training) are offered through University Sports, the Sports Group at Campus North, the Family Portal, and KMB.
Research
Through our research activities, we contribute to the evidence-based development and evaluation of health-related programs and interventions.
You can find our current research projects here.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify workplace hazards, evaluate the conditions under which they may occur, and derive appropriate preventive measures.
Risk assessments must be carried out according to the type of work activity.
Learn more here.
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Sports Programs
University Sports
University Sports at KIT offers a wide range of recreational and competitive sports. Special consideration is given to the needs of students and employees with disabilities.
Recreational and competitive sports are equally represented within the University Sports program.
Sports Groups Association (Sportgruppen am KIT e.V.)
The Sports Groups Association at Campus North provides a broad range of recreational sports activities for students and employees of KIT.
Currently, 11 departments offer programs including Aikido, Badminton, Basketball, Fitness, Football, Prevention, Skiing, Diving, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Volleyball.
These programs are designed for individuals interested in regular physical activity without a primary focus on competition.
Ski Gymnastics
Year-round training to improve overall fitness, flexibility, and endurance for skiing and everyday life.
Training time:
Friday, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Sports Hall A, Eggenstein
Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation courses are offered at regular intervals.
For further information or registration, please contact:
Dr. Andrea Stahl (Medical Services – MED)
Phone: +49 721 608 22071
Swimming
The swimming pool is available to students and employees of KIT and partner institutions during the specified times and at the stated usage fee.
For general inquiries, please contact:
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Pool supervisors: +49 721 608 42553
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University Sports Office: +49 721 608 43233
Booking is available here.
Screen-Based Workstations
The Occupational Safety Specialists (FAS) and the Medical Services (MED) provide guidance and support for ergonomic workplace design.
Various ergonomic aids are available for trial use. An overview can be found in the document “Overview of Ergonomic Aids Available for Loan from FAS/MED.”
Further information is available under Healthy and Safe Working.
Support Mailbox for Students and Employees
Do you have questions or concerns and are unsure where to turn?
The Support Mailbox handles your requests confidentially and aims to provide assistance.
Website: https://www.sts.kit.edu/5497.php
Email: kummerkasten∂sts.kit.edu
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Table Tennis
Whether recreationally or competitively in the TTV Karlsruhe (company league), six table tennis tables are available for those who wish to stay active. Tournaments can also be held in the dedicated sports hall.
Training time:
Monday, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Sports Hall B, Eggenstein
More information available here.
Tennis
Enjoy recreational and team-based tennis activities for all age groups at a well-equipped facility. The program includes youth development with professional coaches, trial sessions for all skill levels, and various social events.
Training times:
Year-round
Tennis Facility “Am alten Hafen”, Leopoldshafen
(with indoor courts for winter training and clubhouse)
More information available here.
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Volleyball
The volleyball team is a mixed group playing at a recreational level. During the summer months, outdoor beach volleyball is also available at Schröcker Tor on the Sports Group’s beach court.
Participation in tournaments is pursued where there is sufficient interest.
Training times:
Wednesday, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Sports Hall Eggenstein
More information available here.
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Water Dispensers
Drinking fountains have been installed in the library and the Audimax on campus. They are freely accessible to all university members.
Walk-in Fitness and Health Center
The walk-in Center for Fitness, Health, and Diagnostics at the Institute of Sports and Sports Science (IfSS) is a health-oriented fitness facility.
It offers individually tailored strength and endurance training using state-of-the-art equipment under professional supervision, a wide range of courses, comprehensive initial diagnostics, as well as access to the calisthenics park and swimming pool.
Work and Family
KIT is committed to being a family-friendly employer.
Various measures, such as flexible working hours, childcare services, and reintegration programs, help parents balance professional and private life. Counseling and support are provided by the Equal Opportunities Team and the Family Portal.
Work-Life-Balance
A range of programs and services supporting work-life balance is available!
Women’s Health
The Women’s Health Portal of the Federal Institute for Public Health provides comprehensive information on a wide range of topics related to women’s health, including abdominal pain, eating disorders, cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, and more.
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Yoga
Yoga involves both activation and relaxation, reflecting the natural balance required in everyday life rather than focusing solely on rest. It offers a wide range of beneficial effects for both body and mind.
The practice of yoga aims to promote harmony between body, mind, and inner well-being, supporting emotional balance, stability, and calmness.
Further information on available courses can be found through the KIT Sports Groups.