Health and well-being hub

This guide describes the requirements set out in the fundamental OSH Conventions, the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, 2006 (No. 187), recognizing the complementarity of these two instruments to ensure good OSH governance at national level and sound OSH management at workplace level. To provide further guidance about the implementation of Conventions Nos 155 and 187, the publication also includes key provisions from the accompanying Recommendations 164 and 197.

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Publisher: International Labour Organization (ILO)
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in: English Spanish, Castilian French
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

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.

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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

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.

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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

The article, based on findings from a global survey of over 900 public administration faculty, identifies three key lessons and reveals widespread physical and emotional exhaustion among respondents. It underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to address faculty burnout, which has been intensified by low pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stresses the importance of understanding faculty experiences and implementing solutions, such as improved financial security, supportive career pathways, and policies that foster work-life balance, to enhance faculty well-being and retention.

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Publisher: Inside Higher Ed
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2023

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel Researchers Union representatives
Level of education: Higher education and research
Resource type: Web page

This opinion article highlights the challenges faced by early childhood education (ECE) personnel, emphasizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their employment conditions. It discusses the findings of the International Barometer of the Health and Wellbeing of Education Personnel (I-BEST), which reveal issues such as poor working conditions, low salaries, lack of professional recognition, and high levels of stress and job dissatisfaction among ECE workers.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment Workload
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Level of education: Early childhood education
Resource type: Web page

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.

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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

Vold, trusler og magtanvendelseg is a guidance document aimed at supporting teachers and school staff in handling situations involving violence, threats, and the use of force in Danish schools. It outlines the legal framework, including the rights and obligations of employees, and provides practical advice on how to respond to incidents, report them, and seek support. The pamphlet emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, clear communication, and collaboration between staff, management, and local authorities to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.

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Publisher: Danish Union of Teachers
Country: Denmark
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Europe
Topics: Physical health Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in: Danish
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Downloadable file

This short film created by the teacher union EIS during Mental Health Awareness Week, features three members who share personal insights on the critical role of mental health in education. The video emphasizes how collective action through union support can lead to meaningful improvements in workplace wellbeing.

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Publisher: Educational Institute of Scotland
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Europe
Topics: Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Video

The member support guide provides information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors via call, text, or chat for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, mental health crises, or emotional distress. The guide explains how to determine whether a situation warrants contacting 988, what to expect during the call, and how to support someone in crisis while waiting for help. It also offers advice on post-crisis care and emphasizes the importance of seeking support for oneself after assisting someone through a crisis. It is important to note that this resource is context-specific and is intended as an example to inspire the development of similar tools in other contexts.

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Publisher: American Federation of Teachers
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2022

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Physical health Safety
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The "Social Emotional Development for Teachers" program in El Salvador aims to enhance teacher well-being by addressing the significant social and emotional challenges they face, such as stress from gang violence and community insecurity. The program provides over 3,000 teachers with training in social-emotional learning strategies and mindfulness practices to help them manage their emotions and reduce stress. This initiative is designed to improve teachers' relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and contributing to a more positive educational environment.

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Publisher: Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) FHI360
Country: El Salvador
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Latin America
Topics: Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Safety Social emotional skills
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff: Teachers
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities
Resource type: Downloadable file

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The initiative focuses on enhancing teachers' abilities to create trauma-informed classrooms and build psychological resilience using cognitive behavioral approaches. The program aims to equip teachers with coping skills and resilience-building techniques for their own mental well-being. By understanding their own mental health needs and learning evidence-based psychological strategies, teachers can better manage their emotions and stress.

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Publisher: Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Education Development Center
Country: Philippines
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Asia Pacific
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Safety
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff: Teachers
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities
Resource type: Downloadable file

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The NRC provides comprehensive support mechanisms for teachers, including capacity building, expressive arts therapy, recreational activities, and a phone hotline for counseling. These efforts aim to equip teachers with the skills to address their own emotional and social needs, thereby improving their ability to support their students effectively. The initiative has shown positive outcomes, with teachers reporting increased resilience, improved stress management, and enhanced professional growth.

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Publisher: Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Norwegian Refugee Council
Country: Palestine Jordan
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Arab Countries
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff: Teachers
Specific communities: Migrants and refugees
Resource type: Downloadable file

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022 highlights a worsening mental health crisis in the UK education sector, with high levels of stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion reported across the workforce, particularly among school leaders. Many education professionals feel unable to take time off when unwell and regularly experience symptoms such as insomnia, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. The report shows that poor work-life balance, excessive workload, and feeling undervalued are major reasons staff are considering leaving the profession. Despite these challenges, it also emphasizes the critical role of supportive leadership, a positive workplace culture, and access to mental health resources in improving staff wellbeing and retention.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2022

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

The article offers guidance for aspiring educators on maintaining their mental health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of utilizing on-campus health clinics and counseling services, recognizing the signs of mental health issues, and seeking support from various resources. The article also emphasizes the role of self-care and organizational strategies.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2021

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Specific communities: Early-stage career
Resource type: Web page

The article on Academic Matters discusses the persistent mental health challenges faced by faculty in academia, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but existed long before it. It highlights the heavy workloads, high expectations, and systemic issues within academic institutions that contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among faculty members. The article emphasizes the need for systemic solutions, including better working conditions, fair compensation, and supportive policies, to address these long-standing issues and improve the mental health and well-being of academic staff.

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Publisher: Academic Matters
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2021

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Education support personnel Researchers
Level of education: Higher education and research
Specific communities: Women
Resource type: Web page

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Physical health

Showing 75 Resources Filtered by:

The fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health

Poor ventilation in your workplace? You can do this

Stress

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Early childhood educators: New data on the challenges they face raises the alarm about an education sector at risk

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

Violence, threats and power application

Supporting our mental health and wellbeing

Suicide and crisis lifeline 988: member support guide

“Social emotional development for teachers”: An innovative program to improve teacher well-being in El Salvador

Developing teachers’ abilities to create trauma-informed classrooms and teach psychological resilience-building using cognitive behavioral approaches in Mindanao, Philippines.

‘Supporting the supporters’: Refugee teachers and teachers living in protracted conflicts

Teacher wellbeing index - 2022

Aspiring educators: Protect your mental health

Mental health in academia: The challenges faculty face predate the pandemic and require systemic solutions