Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub Education International’s resource center

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Region: Europe
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Workload, wellbeing and Covid-19

Guides

The page outlines five key principles for workforce policy and practice in schools to address the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. It emphasizes the need for schools to allow teachers and school leaders to focus on their core responsibilities, support them amidst unprecedented pressures, and prioritize their wellbeing and mental health. The page also highlights the importance of tackling excessive workload drivers, such as unnecessary administrative tasks, and ensuring that teachers' and school leaders' contractual and statutory entitlements are respected to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2024
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Fresh thinking and new mental models needed to improve teacher wellbeing

Opinion/commentary

The interview with Sinead McBrearty, CEO of Education Support, a teacher welfare charity, discusses the findings of the 2024 Teacher Wellbeing Index, highlighting the rise in verbal and physical abuse from pupils, pressure from parents, and lack of support from external services as key stressors for teachers. McBrearty emphasizes the need for fresh thinking and new mental models to improve teacher wellbeing, advocating for increased funding, better support from public services, and effective workload management. The interview underscores the importance of creating a supportive work environment and offers insights into how Education Support is helping teachers navigate these challenges.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2024
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Job satisfaction Mental health Recognition Respect
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Teacher wellbeing index - 2024

Research

This report draws on a survey of over 3,000 UK education professionals to reveal persistently high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout across the sector, with 77% of staff reporting mental health symptoms linked to their work. It highlights a worrying increase in challenging behavior from pupils (82%) and difficult interactions with parents (70%), both of which significantly impact staff wellbeing, and underscores the negative effects of inadequate support from public services on morale and work-life balance. While there are slight improvements in perceptions of workplace culture, concerns such as insomnia (46%), irritability, and concentration difficulties remain widespread.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2024
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Peer relationships Physical health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education
Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Resource type
Downloadable file

Occupational well-being programme

Research

The report " Työhyvinvointi ohjelma" of the Finnish union OAJ outlines a strategy to improve the working conditions and overall well-being of professionals in the education sector. It emphasizes the importance of respectful treatment, sustainable work environments, and mental health support. The programme proposes legislative reforms, enhanced occupational safety, and better leadership practices to reduce work-related stress and prevent disability. It also promotes collaboration between employees, employers, and policymakers to ensure that educational professionals can thrive in their roles.

Download resource in Finnish
Publisher
Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö
Country
Finland
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Peer relationships Safety Working conditions
Available in
Finnish
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Joint union heatwave protocol

Guides

The Joint Union Heatwave Protocol from the NEU provides practical guidance for schools and colleges to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. It outlines short-term measures such as adjusting dress codes, modifying lunch menus, relocating classes, and ensuring access to water and ventilation. It also recommends long-term planning, including retrofitting buildings, improving ventilation, and conducting risk assessments to protect staff and students. The protocol encourages collaboration between employers and union representatives to ensure health, safety, and minimal disruption to learning during heatwaves

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Climate change Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Online ressource

Violence and assaults against staff in schools model policy

Toolkits

The NEU's Model Policy on Violence and Assaults Against Staff provides a structured framework for schools to prevent and respond to workplace violence. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe working environment by setting clear expectations and procedures for handling incidents involving physical or verbal abuse. The accompanying Model Reporting Form is designed to document all instances of violence, threats, or abuse directed at school staff, including supply teachers and contractors, ensuring that such incidents are properly recorded and addressed

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Larger classes and more students with special needs: Effects of class characteristics on workload, job satisfaction, and absenteeism

Research

"Grotere klassen en meer zorgleerlingen: Invloeden van klassenkenmerken op werkdruk, tevredenheid en verzuim": The report investigates the impact of larger class sizes and the presence of more students requiring special care on teachers' workload, satisfaction, and absenteeism in primary and secondary education in the Netherlands. Based on a survey of over 7,000 teachers, the findings reveal that larger classes and a higher proportion of students with specific are needs correlate with increased work pressure, lower job satisfaction, and higher absenteeism rates. Teachers expect that reducing class size or providing more support for diverse needs could help alleviate the pressure and workload.

Download resource in Dutch
Publisher
Algemene Onderwijsbond
Country
Netherlands
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Working conditions Workload
Available in
Dutch
Categories of staff
Teachers
Level of education
Primary education Secondary education
Resource type
Downloadable file

How do you stay upright?

Guides

The page offers practical advice for teachers on preventing burnout, featuring tips from educators, a supervisor, and a researcher. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, open communication with school management, and mutual support among colleagues. The page also emphasizes the need for school leaders to recognize and address teachers' concerns, provide personal attention, and create a positive work environment. Additionally, it suggests practical exercises and resources to help teachers manage stress and maintain their passion for teaching.

Open resource in English Open resource in Dutch
Publisher
Algemene Onderwijsbond
Country
Netherlands
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Social emotional skills
Available in
English Dutch
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Poor ventilation in your workplace? You can do this

Guides

The page provides practical steps for addressing poor ventilation in the workplace, emphasizing its importance for health and productivity. It suggests measuring CO2 levels, reporting issues to management, and involving works councils to ensure proper ventilation standards are met. The page also advises on escalating unresolved issues to the Labor Inspectorate and highlights the right to stop work if conditions are unsafe. Additionally, it offers resources and guidelines for improving air quality in educational settings.

Open resource in English Open resource in Dutch
Publisher
Algemene Onderwijsbond
Country
Netherlands
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
English Dutch
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Stress

Guides

The page provides facts about stress at work, highlighting its potential to adversely affect both mental and physical health. It explains that stress can arise from various sources, including organizational changes, work overload, and relationship difficulties. The page details the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress, such as heart disease, ulcers, anxiety, and depression. It also emphasizes the importance of employers having clear policies on stress and conducting risk assessments. Practical advice is offered for coping with work pressures, and resources are provided for further support.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Teacher workload: Executive summary of the INTO research report

Research

This executive summary of the research report provides an overview of the findings from a study on teacher workload in Ireland. It highlights the increasing demands on teachers and principals, including administrative tasks, curriculum overload, and special education needs. The report emphasizes the need for additional support, such as administrative assistance, reduced class sizes, and dedicated time for planning and collaboration. .

Download resource in English
Publisher
Irish National Teachers' Organisation
Country
Ireland
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Menstruation and menopause: Workplace policy reform for a modern labour force - A trade union led initiative

Policy briefs and Policies

This guidance is aimed at employers, government policymakers, and trade unions, particularly union representatives and negotiators. Its objective is to provide evidence and a clear framework for reforming workplace policies so that menstruation and menopause are recognised and supported, stigma is reduced, and workers’ wellbeing and equality are promoted within a modern labour force.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Irish National Teachers' Organisation Fórsa Trade Union Financial Services Union (FSU) Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) Irish Nurses Midwives Organisation (INMO) Services, Industrial, Professional, and Technical Union (SIPTU) UNITE the union Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
Country
Ireland
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Menopause in the workplace policy framework for civil service organisations

Guides

The "Menopause in the Workplace Policy Framework" provides comprehensive guidelines for civil service organizations to support employees experiencing menopause. It emphasizes creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, detailing key principles such as health, safety, welfare, and equality. The framework includes guidance on policy development, workplace adjustments, roles and responsibilities

Download resource in English
Publisher
Irish National Teachers' Organisation Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery
Country
Ireland
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

Research

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2023 sheds light on the mounting mental health crisis within the UK education sector. Drawing on responses from over 3,000 education professionals, the report reveals widespread experiences of stress, burnout, and sleep disturbances, particularly among school leaders. Feelings of loneliness are alarmingly high, with education staff reporting twice the level of workplace loneliness compared to the general population. Confidence in the current inspection framework is critically low, with the majority viewing it as detrimental to mental health and lacking in credibility.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Peer relationships Physical health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education
Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Resource type
Downloadable file

Social emotional health and resilience of teachers in the East European countries

Research

This study explored the social emotional health and resilience of 1,200 teachers from Latvia, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic. Researchers assessed post-pandemic well-being across elementary, secondary, and high schools. Results showed high levels of covitality, especially in belief in self, belief in others, emotional competence, and engaged living, and moderate resilience in all three countries. Positive teacher strengths that were identified are self-regulation, empathy, cognitive reappraisal.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Human, Technologies and Quality of Education
Country
Latvia Lithuania Slovakia
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file