Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Pandemics and epidemics

Pandemics and epidemics significantly impact the health and well-being of teachers and education support personnel, exposing them to direct health risks such as illness and death, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression, often intensified by social isolation and economic instability due to job losses or disruptions. The need to prevent or mitigate contamination risks in educational settings adds further stress, especially for frontline staff. Resources developed during the COVID 19 pandemic remain highly relevant today, as they address the ongoing mental, psychological and physical consequences still felt by many in the education sector.

Showing 34 Resources Filtered by:

Topics: Pandemics and epidemics
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Occupational wellbeing in European education systems: Social Partners in education addressing the lasting impact of the COVID-19 crisis

Research

The research study aims to expand the knowledge base of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the education sector across Europe, with a specific focus on the rise and prevalence of psychosocial risks. This report examines the various work dimensions that contribute to the emergence, prevalence, and mitigation of such risks for education professionals in the workplace and beyond.

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Publisher
European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) European Federation for Education Employers (EFEE)
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

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.

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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

Assessment of the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators and learners and psychosocial support needs in selected Sub-Saharan African countries

Research

The 2023 UNESCO IICBA study assesses the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators, and learners across selected sub-Saharan African countries. It highlights the growing recognition of mental health and well-being in education, emphasizing the interconnectedness between education, health, and psychosocial support. The study identifies key challenges faced by educators, ranks the severity of COVID-19’s negative effects, and explores innovative strategies adopted by governments. It also provides recommendations for building resilience, improving infection control, and enhancing psychosocial support systems, aiming to inform policy and advocacy efforts across Africa.

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Publisher
UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication
2023
Region
Africa
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teacher mental health during COVID-19: Pandemic research report

Research

The report captures the firsthand experiences of teachers during the 2020-2021 school year. It reveals how various aspects of their professional lives, exacerbated by the pandemic, contributed to a decline in mental health. The report is based on narratives from interviews with 110 teachers, highlighting the significant impact of high job demands, lack of support, and the challenges of adapting to new teaching environments.

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Publisher
Canadian Teachers' Federation/Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Presentation of results to the media – UNSA barometer of education professions 2021

Research

The 2021 UNSA Education Barometer reveals the challenges faced by education professionals in France, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose among educators, the survey highlights a persistent lack of respect and recognition, with 66% of respondents feeling undervalued. The barometer also underscores the need for improved working conditions, better health support, and enhanced training.

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Publisher
Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education
Country
France
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Job satisfaction Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Web page

Newsletter Vol. 1. No. 5.: Protecting & promoting teachers & teaching

This newsletter centers on the impact of COVID-19 on educators, with a strong focus on teacher well-being during the circuit breaker period. It presents survey findings on Home-Based Learning (HBL) and Leave of Absence/Stay-Home Notice policies, highlighting increased workloads, uneven support across departments, and health concerns. The newsletter also introduces the “Teacher Wellness@STU” initiative, encouraging educators to build resilience and emotional strength, and offers resources, consultations, and wellness guidance to help teachers navigate the challenges of remote teaching and pandemic-related stress.

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Publisher
Singapore Teachers' Union (STU)
Country
Singapore
Year of publication
2020
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Union representatives

Newsletter, Vol. 1. No. 8: Survey on reopening of schools

This document places emphasis on teacher well-being amid the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from a large-scale survey, it reveals that many educators experienced heightened stress due to increased workloads, unclear expectations, and inconsistent school policies. While some schools implemented supportive measures, like flexible reporting times, reduced meeting durations, and remote work options—others maintained rigid practices that compromised teacher morale. The newsletter highlights calls for standardizing well-being policies across schools and advocates for greater empathy and recognition of teachers’ frontline roles during this challenging period.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Singapore Teachers' Union (STU)
Country
Singapore
Year of publication
2020
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives

CTERA national survey: "Health and working conditions of teachers in times of health emergency"

Research

The CTERA National Survey Report titled presents an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Argentine education workers. Conducted between May and June 2020, the study highlights how teachers adapted to remote work amid school closures, facing significant challenges to maintain educational continuity. It underscores the strain on their health and working conditions, exacerbated by prior neoliberal policies that weakened public education and labor protections.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Online ressource

Multi-Agency report on effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on education: Mitigation measures, analysis and recommendations on reopening of schools, colleges and universities

Guides

The document outlines strategic recommendations for safely reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. It places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing and protection of teachers, recognizing them as central to the education system’s recovery. The report addresses the need for mental health support, adequate personal protective equipment, and clear communication to ensure teachers can return to classrooms safely and confidently. It also advocates for inclusive decision-making, where teachers' voices are considered in shaping policies that affect their working conditions and professional responsibilities

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Publisher
Kenya National Union of Teachers Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU)
Country
Kenya
Year of publication
2020
Region
Africa
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Safe return to work: Guide for employers on COVID-19 prevention

Guides

The document provides practical guidance for employers to manage workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines strategies to assess risks, implement preventive measures, and ensure a safe and healthy return to work for employees. The guide emphasizes collaboration between employers, workers, and health authorities, and includes checklists and tools to support planning and communication efforts. It aims to help businesses navigate the evolving challenges of the pandemic while protecting workers' health and sustaining operations.

The documents in Arabic, Indonesian, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian can be downloaded from the resource webpage.

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Publisher
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Year of publication
2020
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
Arabic English French Indonesian Portuguese Russian Spanish, Castilian Ukrainian Turkish
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of ourselves and others

Guides

The page provides a number of resources for promoting mental and physical health, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers materials for understanding and discussing mental health, including links to organizations like Anxiety UK, the BBC, and the NHS for additional support. The page emphasizes the importance of self-care, supporting those around us, and addressing issues such as isolation, substance misuse, and domestic abuse.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Let’s unionize to strengthen our organizations during the crisis

Guides

This guide addresses the impact of COVID-19 on schools and the importance of unionization during crises. It consists of two parts: one focusing on COVID-19-related concepts and the other on trade unionism in the context of the pandemic. The guide aims to provide essential information that authorities have overlooked and to emphasize the critical role of unions in advocating for teachers' rights.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Syndicat des Enseignants du Congo Fédération nationale des enseignants du Congo Centrale de l’Education Nationale et de la Recherche Scientifique
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Year of publication
2020
Region
Africa
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Downloadable file

Interview with Ivy Lynn Bourgeault on mental health

Opinion/commentary

In an interview with CAUT, Ivy Lynn Bourgeault discusses her national study on mental health across various professions, focusing on academia. The study highlights the high levels of anxiety and depression among academics due to heavy workloads, digital stress, and continuous peer evaluation. Bourgeault emphasizes the need for better mental health accommodations and support, particularly for contract academic staff who face job insecurity. She also addresses the gender gap in mental health research and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff's well-being.

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Publisher
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2025
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Right to disconnect and technology Women’s psychological and physical health Workload
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

Violence and aggression against educators and school personnel, retention, stress, and training needs: National survey results

Research

The research article investigates the alarming rise in violence and aggression against educators in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on two large-scale surveys conducted before and after pandemic restrictions, the study reveals that incidents of verbal harassment, threats, cyberbullying, and physical violence have surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This increase has led to a significant rise in educators expressing intentions to resign or transfer.

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Publisher
American Psychologist
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2024
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics Safety Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Healthy professional worker partnership: Academia case study survey findings

Research

This report explores the trajectory of 379 academic professionals from experiencing mental health issues to decisions around workplace adjustments, leave, and the return-to-work process, with attention to differences by gender and academic status. Key insights include that 60% of respondents reported a mental health issue; among those, 54% modified their work and 23% took a formal leave, of whom 83% ultimately returned, though return rates varied significantly by employment type. Women and tenure-track academics were particularly affected by increased psychological distress, burnout, and presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Publisher
Healthy Professional Worker Partnership
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Researchers
Resource type
Downloadable file