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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Topics: Working conditions
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Make educator well-being a priority now

Opinion/commentary

The article highlights the urgent need to address the well-being of teachers and principals, who experience job-related stress at twice the rate of other working adults. The RAND Corporation survey reveals that poor well-being and adverse working conditions are driving many educators to consider leaving their jobs. The article calls for comprehensive, system-wide strategies to improve educator well-being, rather than superficial wellness programs, to retain and support educators effectively.

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Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Resource type
Web page

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

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.

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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

Teacher wellbeing: Findings from a scoping literature review and case studies in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar

Research

The report presents a global exploration of teacher wellbeing, combining a systematic review of 102 academic articles (2016–2020) with original fieldwork. It includes case studies based on interviews with 90 teachers and 16 principals from high-performing schools in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar, along with 11 policymakers. These case studies helped infer the underlying processes that promote teacher wellbeing by analyzing participants’ reflections on their behaviors and conditions during their most fulfilling teaching experiences. The report identifies key factors that foster wellbeing, such as feeling valued, supportive environments, and emotional regulation, while also highlighting risks like burnout. Despite contextual differences, common themes emerged across countries, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers’ mental health and professional fulfillment.

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Publisher
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The Wellbeing Project Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research (CHPIR) at Duke University ACE Africa Kenya Development for Cambodian Children (DCC)
Country
Cambodia Kenya Qatar
Year of publication
2021
Region
Asia Pacific Arab Countries Africa
Topics
Mental health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education

Research

The report examines the working conditions and wellbeing of academic staff in UK universities. It highlights the prevalence of psychosocial hazards such as high job demands, poor support, and unclear roles, which contribute to stress and burnout. The report also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff wellbeing, emphasizing the need for better support systems, flexible working options, and a positive psychosocial safety climate.

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Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Downloadable file

Health and safety handbook: Health, safety and welfare Issues

Guides

The Health and safety handbook on health, safety, and welfare issues provides comprehensive guidance for health and safety representatives in schools. It covers a wide range of topics, including accident reporting, asbestos management, bullying, class sizes, and stress management. The handbook emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, detailing procedures for handling various health and safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. It aims to equip representatives with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage health and safety issues in educational settings. This handbook was specifically elaborated for the context of the UK but includes useful information that other member organizations can use as a reference for developing their own materials.

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Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders
Resource type
Web page

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

The global report on the status of teachers 2021

Research

The 2021 edition of the Global Report on the Status of Teachers 2021 provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and conditions faced by teachers worldwide. It highlights issues such as teacher workload, attrition, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession. Also emphasizes the need for better working conditions, professional development, and increased public investment in education to improve the status and well-being of teachers globally.

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Publisher
Education International (EI)
Year of publication
2021
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Salaries and remuneration Working conditions Workload
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian
Resource type
Downloadable file

International barometer on education personnel’s health and well-being - International report 2021

Research

The report of the first edition of the International Barometer offers an overview of the health and well-being of education personnel, highlighting their working conditions, professional environment, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses factors such as organizational and motivational aspects, school climate, physical environment, work-life balance, and the prevalence of violence and security issues at work. The report also identifies the training needs, support systems, and social protection measures required by education personnel to improve their overall health and well-being.

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Publisher
Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Foundation for Public Health
Country
Belgium Canada France Gambia Mexico Morocco
Year of publication
2021
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Working conditions
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

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.

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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

National survey plan of educational institutions

Research

The National Survey Plan of Educational Institutions is a comprehensive initiative led by SADOP aimed at gathering detailed insights into the working conditions within educational institutions across Argentina. It collects the perspectives of educators and union representatives to assess infrastructure, health and safety risks, and labor rights compliance. The plan serves as a collective tool for generating knowledge and promoting union-led interventions to improve teaching environments. It emphasizes the importance of viewing schools as workplaces and advocates for dignified, healthy conditions to enhance educational quality.

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Publisher
Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

National survey ‘Tell us so we can take care of you’

Research

The document presents the findings of a national survey conducted by SADOP during April 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the impact of remote teaching on private school educators across Argentina, focusing on changes in working conditions, workload, emotional and physical health, and the challenges of balancing professional duties with domestic responsibilities. With over 8,000 respondents, the report highlights significant stress, overwork, and health issues, especially among women, due to the blending of home and work environments.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Women’s psychological and physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

The teachers’ well-being conceptual framework: Contributions from TALIS 2018

Research

The OECD's "Teachers' Well-Being Conceptual Framework" report, based on data from TALIS 2018, aims to explore the complex relationship between teachers' working conditions and their well-being. It defines teachers' well-being as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing cognitive, subjective, social, physical, and mental aspects. The framework highlights how improved working conditions can enhance job satisfaction, reduce stress and burnout, and positively impact teachers' performance and students' learning environments.

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Publisher
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Year of publication
2020
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Causes and signs of stress at work

Guides

The guide on the causes and signs of stress at work provides comprehensive guidance on identifying and managing work-related stress. It outlines six main areas that can lead to stress if not properly managed: demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change. It highlights specific pressures faced by teachers, such as excessive workload, poor pupil behavior, and lack of career progression. Also, it describes the signs of stress in colleagues and emphasizes the importance of conducting stress risk assessments and treating work-related stress as a collective issue.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Peer relationships Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page