Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Working conditions

The physical conditions of a learning environment have a direct impact on the well-being and health of teachers and education support personnel. When school buildings are well-maintained, classrooms are adequately ventilated and lit, and learning materials are accessible, it creates a space where individuals can focus, feel comfortable, and engage more effectively. On the other hand, overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, or a lack of basic resources can lead to stress, fatigue, and even health issues, which in turn affect the quality of teaching and learning.

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Teachers’ working conditions, wellbeing and retention: an exploratory analysis to identify the key factors associated with teachers’ intention to leave

Research

The research paper investigates the psychosocial work environment of Australian teachers to understand why many consider leaving the profession. Using data from 744 teachers in government schools, the study applies statistical analyses to identify 14 key variables linked to teachers’ intentions to leave. Findings reveal that factors such as emotional demands, work-family conflict, violence, stress, and depressive symptoms increase the likelihood of departure, while job satisfaction, commitment, and meaningful work reduce it. Career stage also plays a role, with mid- and late-career teachers more likely to consider leaving than early-career ones.

Publisher
The Australian Educational Researcher
Country
Australia
Year of publication
2025
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Occupational health care and early support

This "Työterveyshuolto ja varhainen tuki" guide of the Finnish union OAJ explains how occupational health care and early support play a vital role in maintaining and restoring work ability in the education sector. It outlines the responsibilities of employers to ensure equal access to preventive health services, monitor employee well-being, and initiate early support discussions when challenges arise. The process includes workplace assessments, health evaluations, and collaborative negotiations involving employees, supervisors, and occupational health professionals. The goal is to identify issues early, adapt work conditions if needed, and support educators in continuing their professional roles effectively and safely.

The reconfigurations of teaching work and the use of educational technologies in the post-pandemic

Research

This study explores how teaching work has been reshaped in Argentina following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the integration of educational technologies. Drawing on contributions from educators across various provinces and levels of education, the report analyzes the evolving nature of teaching practices, institutional conditions, and technological tools. For those interested in understanding the impact on teachers' wellbeing, Chapter 5.4: Technologies and Working Conditions and Chapter 5.5:Workload, Complexity, and Responsibility in Teaching Work are especially relevant, as they delve into workload, job complexity, and the challenges posed by digital tools in daily teaching routines.

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.

West Africa – Investing in Teachers and School Leaders: Professional Standards, Working Conditions, and Teacher Education

Research

This document outlines a study conducted by UNESCO IICBA on the state of teacher professionalism in West Africa, focusing on professional standards, teacher education, and working conditions. It emphasizes the urgent need for countries to adopt and implement professional standards and competencies for teachers and school leaders. It highlights how inadequate professional support, poor working conditions, and lack of career development opportunities negatively impact teacher motivation, job satisfaction, and retention. Detailed case studies for Sierra Leone and The Gambia illustrate country-specific progress and challenges. The study highlights that while some countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria have aligned with international frameworks, most are still in early stages, lacking formal regulations, national standards, and professional teaching councils. Teacher education remains weak, with many teachers insufficiently qualified, and continuous professional development is underutilized.

Publisher
UNESCO IICBA
Country
Gambia Sierra Leone
Year of publication
2023
Region
Africa
Topics
Salaries and remuneration Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

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.

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

Indoor climat in elementary school: An overview of typical challenges and suggestions for action

Guides

Indeklima i folkeskolen – et overblik over typiske udfordringer og bud på handlemuligheder is a guidance pamphlet published by the Danish Union of Teachers, offering a comprehensive overview of the most common indoor climate issues in Danish public schools. It addresses challenges such as poor air quality, emissions from building materials, mold, insufficient cleaning, temperature regulation, noise, lighting conditions, and radiation exposure. The document provides practical suggestions for how workplace environment groups and school leadership can tackle and prevent these problems, including through workplace assessments (APV), collaboration with parents and students, and involvement of relevant authorities.

Publisher
Danish Union of Teachers
Country
Denmark
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
Danish
Categories of staff
Teachers
Level of education
Primary education
Resource type
Downloadable file

Daylight Requirements and Views in the Workplace: Effects on Health and Behavior

Research

"Dagsljuskrav och utblick på arbetsplatsen": The research report explores the impact of daylight requirements and views in the workplace on health and behavior. It highlights the importance of natural light for maintaining circadian rhythms, improving sleep, reducing daytime sleepiness, and enhancing mood. The report discusses various methods for measuring daylight exposure and recommends prioritizing natural light over artificial alternatives.

Health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina: CTERA national survey

Research

The publication "Salud y Condiciones de Trabajo de las/os Trabajadoras/es de la Educación de la Argentina" by CTERA presents the findings of a national survey on the health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina. It highlights the economic and physical challenges faced by educators, such as low salaries, multiple job roles, and inadequate school infrastructure. The survey emphasizes the need for better working conditions, including regular maintenance of school facilities, access to clean water, and proper heating and cooling systems.

CTERA occupational health magazine: Healthy and safe work

Opinion/commentary

"Salud Laboral en Tiempos de Ajuste" by CTERA explores the challenges faced by education workers in Argentina, particularly in the context of neoliberal policies. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and advancing labor rights, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, and promoting collective bargaining. The publication also discusses the impact of economic policies on workers' health and well-being.

Healthy and safe work: The active participation of workers is a right

Guides

The guide was created by CTERA to empower health and safety delegates in the education sector. It outlines twelve minimum conditions necessary for the proper functioning of school buildings, established through collective bargaining. The guide emphasizes the right of workers to actively participate in ensuring safe and healthy work environments, reinforcing the importance of union involvement in monitoring and advocating for labor protections in schools.

Workplace concerns: Support and guidance for teachers

Guides

The STU’s guidance provides its members with essential support and resources for navigating workplace challenges in the education sector. It covers topics such as performance appraisals, school transfers, workplace safety, and legal responsibilities, and includes a grievance procedure flowchart with the affected member which unions can use as an example for their work. It also promotes proactive engagement through educational talks, which can be requested from the union, on legal obligations, disciplinary actions, and social media conduct, aiming to foster safer, fairer, and more informed working environments for teachers in Singapore.

Checklist for workplace environment problems

Guides

"Checklista vid arbetsmiljöproblem": The guide from Sveriges Lärare provides a checklist for identifying and addressing workplace environment issues in educational settings. It covers various aspects such as physical conditions, psychosocial factors, and organizational aspects that can affect teachers' health and wellbeing. The checklist aims to help educators and school administrators systematically evaluate and improve their work environment to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere for both staff and students.

Publisher
Swedish Teachers' Union
Country
Sweden
Region
Europe
Topics
Safety Working conditions
Available in
Swedish
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Web page

Preventing psychosocial risks in education: Joint European guidelines 2025

The 2025 Guidelines offer a framework to help education employers and trade unions prevent and manage psychosocial risks in the education sector. Building on the 2016 version, this revision reflects the evolving challenges post-COVID, including digitalisation, increased classroom complexity, and rising stress levels among staff. The Guidelines emphasize the importance of safe, healthy, and supportive working environments as essential for quality education, and advocate for collaborative action, effective legislation, and tailored risk assessments.

The Australian teacher work, health and wellbeing report: An analysis of teachers’ psychosocial work environments and wellbeing in government schools

Research

This report presents a national analysis of teachers’ work environments and wellbeing in Australian government schools, based on data from 950 teachers and benchmarked against other professions. Using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III), it explores key psychosocial factors, such as workload, emotional demands, role clarity, support systems, and school culture, that influence teacher stress, burnout, and wellbeing. The findings reveal unique pressures faced by teachers and highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to improve working conditions, support teacher health, and enhance workforce sustainability.

Publisher
Deakin University Educational Impact (REDI)
Country
Australia
Year of publication
2025
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file