Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Physical health

A lack of well-being at work often leads to a decline in physical health, with common symptoms including sleep disturbances, voice disorders, headaches, exhaustion, fatigue, and muscular tension. These physical effects not only reduce energy and productivity but also contribute to emotional strain and burnout, making it harder for educators to engage effectively with students and colleagues.

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Topics: Physical health
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Guide for the union representative on occupational health and safety committees

Guides

This guide serves as a practical tool for union delegates involved in occupational health and safety committees. It outlines the legal framework, roles, and responsibilities of delegates, and emphasizes the importance of active union participation in bipartite health and safety committees within educational institutions. The guide also includes relevant national decrees, strategies for improving workplace conditions, and resources to support the defense and promotion of workers' health rights.

Download resource in Spanish
Publisher
Federación Nacional de Profesores de Enseñanza Secundaria Comisión de Salud Laboral Área de Formación Sindical CEIFF
Country
Uruguay
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Risk and protective factors for non-communicable chronic diseases among primary education teachers

Research

" Fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre professores da educação básica": The article investigates the prevalence of risk and protective factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases among primary education teachers in Montes Claros, Brazil. Conducted in 2016, this cross-sectional study found that smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight, and mental health issues were common risk factors, while physical activity and a balanced diet were notable protective factors. The study also highlighted significant differences in these factors based on gender, age, and job satisfaction, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions to improve teachers' well-being and reduce the prevalence of NCDs in this population.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Leadership Physical health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Level of education
Primary education
Resource type
Web page

Assessment of teachers’ health in relation to working conditions

Research

The study investigates the health status of 519 teachers in Moldova’s pre-university institutions. Using both self-assessment questionnaires and medical records, the research found that while most teachers reported satisfactory health, 35.8% had chronic conditions, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. The most cited risk factors were high stress levels (53.5%), excessive workloads, and lack of support. The study concludes that teacher health is significantly influenced by workplace conditions.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Moldovan Medical Journal
Country
Moldova
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti: creation of training capsules

Course or training materials

The adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti have focused on teacher wellbeing. The project has developed training capsules to support the health and wellbeing of education workers. These capsules cover essential topics such as occupational health, mental health, and stress management, providing teachers with valuable resources to improve their working conditions.

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Publisher
CEMEA-Haiti Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Solidarité Laïque Haïti Wallonie-Bruxelles Internationale (WBI)
Country
Haiti
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Video

Teachers health fund mobilises for inclusion and respect of Aboriginal People’s rights

Campaign documents

The initiative of the organization Teachers Health, Reconciliation Action Plan, aims to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations by promoting understanding, respect, and support for Aboriginal communities. This initiative highlights the need for concrete actions to address disparities in health, employment, income, life expectancy, and discrimination.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Reconciliation Australia
Country
Australia
Year of publication
2021
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Indigenous Peoples
Resource type
Video

Teachers' health today and tomorrow

Webinar and conference recordings

The webnar discusses the health of teachers in France. It focuses on the challenges they faced in 2020 due to the health crisis and other stressors. It reviews scientific data on teachers' health and offers several support mechanisms.

Open resource in French
Publisher
UNESCO
Country
France
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

School support staff: Education includes them too

Opinion/commentary

The interview explores the challenges and recognition of education support personnel, highlighting differences between France and Quebec. Key issues include professional recognition, working conditions, and the role of unions in advocating for these personnel. The interview underscores the importance of acknowledging the diverse roles and contributions of ESP in the educational system.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Education and Solidarity Network (ESN)
Country
Canada France
Year of publication
2019
Region
North America and the Caribbean Europe
Topics
Physical health Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Education support personnel
Resource type
Downloadable file

Vocal'iz: The free app to protect your voice

Guides

The Vocal'iz application, available to download in this website and launched by the MGEN group, aims to help users, especially teachers, preserve and optimize their vocal performance. Given that 23% of teachers have consulted for voice problems, this free mobile app offers advice, exercises, and preventive actions to support vocal health. It includes five daily exercise programs focusing on breathing, relaxation, singing, and more, allowing users to analyze, understand, and care for their voice through regular practice.

Open resource in French
Publisher
MGEN
Year of publication
2019
Topics
Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Stand up, speak out, stay healthy

Guides

The article provides practical tips on maintaining health and stamina during walkouts and protests. It emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, staying hydrated, protecting one's voice, staying fit, and managing stress.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2018
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Web page

Report of the survey panorama focus sante - 2018

Research

The report provides an overview of the health and well-being of education personnel in 15 French-speaking countries. Based on surveys and interviews conducted in 2018, the report highlights key issues such as access to healthcare, working conditions, and the role of trade unions in promoting health awareness. The findings aim to inform and inspire actions to improve the well-being of education professionals globally.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Syndical Francophone de l’Éducation et de la Formation (CSFEF) Education and Solidarity Network (ESN)
Country
Belgium Benin Burkina Faso Canada Cape Verde Chad Congo France Guinea Lebanon Mauritius Romania Senegal Switzerland Tunisia
Year of publication
2018
Topics
Physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teachers’ health and its relationship with working conditions

Research

The document presents findings on how working conditions impact the health of private school teachers in Argentina. It reveals that a significant majority of educators experience fatigue, stress, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain, often without a clear cause beyond their demanding work environment. The report also highlights frequent illnesses such as vocal strain, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances, linking them to the physical and emotional demands of teaching.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2012
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Educator fatigue and burnout: When teacher exhaustion goes beyond the classroom

Opinion/commentary

This article explores the nature of teacher burnout, emphasizing that educator fatigue goes far beyond long hours or classroom stress. It highlights the emotional labor involved in teaching, managing relationships, regulating emotions, and coping with administrative overload, as key contributors to chronic exhaustion. Drawing on regional data from Latin America, it reveals how institutional conditions, social pressures, and lack of support exacerbate burnout.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Institute for the Future of Education
Country
Argentina Chile Ecuador Peru
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Stress model policy

Toolkits

The NEU's Model Stress Policy aims to proactively manage workplace stress to reduce stress-related conditions among staff, thereby improving educational outcomes for students and ensuring a safer working environment. It serves as a guide for union representatives to negotiate effective employment policies that meet statutory requirements and union standards.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Heatwave: your rights, our interventions

Guides

The guidance page by SNES-FSU addressing the impact of extreme heat on working conditions in French schools can serve as inspiration to other organisations when their schools experience similar extreme weather conditions. It outlines the rights of education staff during heatwaves, including adjustments to working hours, access to drinking water, and the possibility of exercising alert and withdrawal rights in unsafe conditions. The page also highlights SNES-FSU’s advocacy efforts with the Ministry of Education, pushing for flexible exam schedules and better protection for vulnerable staff. It emphasizes the need for long-term investment in school infrastructure to adapt to climate change and ensure safe working environments.

Open resource in French
Publisher
Syndicat national des enseignements de second degré (SNES-FSU)
Country
France
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Climate change Physical health Working conditions
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Online ressource

Women’s health and wellbeing: Guidance and advice on different topics

Guides

The NASUWT's Women's Health and Wellbeing toolkit offers comprehensive advice and guidance for managing health issues that specifically affect women in the workplace. The site offers three separate guides on (i) endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids in the workplace; (ii) managing menopause in the workplace; (iii) valuing maternity. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environments, valuing maternity, and ensuring that women receive the necessary accommodations and understanding to maintain their health and wellbeing while fulfilling their professional duties.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Women
Resource type
Web page