Amber Kersten MSc

Bio

As a PhD Candidate at the Human Resource Studies Department of Tilburg University and at TNO, I specialize in research on inclusive employer behaviour. In doing so, I take an explicit 'positive psychology' approach, by focusing on what works for inclusive employers, what drives them and what energizes them. As I have a passion for connecting research with practice, I regularly present my work for practitioner audiences in order to enhance the impact of our scientific studies.

Expertise

I specialize in research on inclusive employer behaviour. In doing so, I take an explicit 'positive psychology' approach, by focusing on what works for inclusive employers, what drives them and what energizes them. 

Most research has focused on the barriers for inclusive employment (e.g., costs, biased belief systems, lack of experience). Within my research, however, I do not focus on why employer would not be inclusive, but rather, why some employers - given that there are quite a few barriers - are still very successful in their inclusive behaviour. I strive to understand what helps these employers to succeed, what drives them and what gives them energy.

Teaching

Having started my career as a junior lecturer in the Human Resource Studies department, I have been involved with numerous courses over the past few years (e.g., 'Strategic HRM', 'Work, Well-being and Performance', 'Work and Health Psychology', 'Managing Social Capital). At this moment, I am focused on supervising students in the process of writing their Master's Thesis. Within my thesis circles, we focus on themes related to inclusion, positive psychology and positive emotions.

Collaboration

As a PhD candidate, I collaborate with my supervisors Prof. Dr. Roland Blonk (Tilburg University), Prof. Dr. Marianne van Woerkom (Tilburg University, Erasmus University Rotterdam) en Dr. Goedele Geuskens (TNO).

Recent publications

1. Organisational policies and practices for the inclusion of vulnerable…

   Kersten, A., Woerkom, M. V., Geuskens, G. A., & Blonk, R. W. B. (2023). Organisational policies and practices for the inclusion of vulnerable workers: A scoping review of the employer’s perspective. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.

2. Paying gratitude forward at work - How work-specific gratitude can af…

   Kersten, A., van Woerkom, M., Kooij, D., & Bauwens, R. (2022). Paying gratitude forward at work: How work-specific gratitude can affect burnout through interpersonal helping behavior. Journal of Personnel Psychology, 21(3), 137-148.

3. Education, work, and motherhood in low and middle income countries - …

   Tefera, B., van Engen, M. L., Schippers, A., Eide, A., Kersten, A., & van der Klink, J. J. L. (2018). Education, work, and motherhood in low and middle income countries: A review of equality challenges and opportunities for women with disabilities. Social Inclusion, 6(1), 82-93.