Health and well-being hub

An analysis of the working conditions, health, and well-being of education personnel across various countries. Conducted biennially since 2021, the survey includes data from over 26,000 participants, covering aspects such as sociodemographic profiles, working hours, school environment, relationships at work, violence and security, physical environment, work-life balance, health indicators, and the use of digital tools.

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Publisher: Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Foundation for Public Health
Country: United Kingdom Switzerland Spain Morocco Japan France Canada Cameroon Belgium Argentina
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education: Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Specific communities: Early-stage career Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

The AFT guide offersd strategies for individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide. It addresses the complex emotions that may arise, such as grief, guilt, and anger, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking support from existing networks and professionals. The guide also provides specific advice for talking to children and teens about suicide, ensuring open and honest communication while respecting their individual grieving processes.

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

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

The RAND Corporation's report presents findings from the 2022 State of the American Teacher and Principal surveys, highlighting the significant challenges faced by educators. The report reveals that the well-being of teachers and principals has been severely impacted, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This deterioration in well-being has led to increased intentions among educators to leave their jobs. The report underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to improve working conditions and provide robust support systems for educators, with a particular focus on supporting educators of color. These measures are essential for enhancing retention rates and facilitating the overall recovery and rebuilding of schools. The report calls for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions to address the root causes of educator stress and dissatisfaction.

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Publisher: RAND Corporation
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2022

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities
Resource type: Downloadable file

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

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 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

This article offers a synthesis of a research report of McMaster University on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff. The findings revealed significant mental health challenges, including increased anxiety, depression, and thoughts of death among respondents. The pandemic exacerbated existing issues such as heavy workloads, digital stress, and the need to balance professional and domestic responsibilities. The study highlighted the disproportionate impact on early career researchers, parents, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, and BIPOC populations. Academic staff associations are advocating for better mental health support and systemic changes to address these challenges.

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Publisher: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT/ACPPU)
Country: Canada
Year of publication: 2021

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Right to disconnect and technology Workload
Available in: English French
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders Researchers
Level of education: Higher education and research
Resource type: Web page

The document provides comprehensive guidance for educational leaders on fostering a healthy workplace. It emphasizes the importance of promoting staff wellbeing through effective leadership, stress management, and creating a supportive work environment. The document covers various topics, including work-life balance, managing stress, and the role of leaders in shaping a positive workplace culture. It aims to equip leaders with the tools and strategies needed to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of their staff, ultimately contributing to a more effective and sustainable educational environment.

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Publisher: National Education Union (NEU)
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2021

Region: Europe
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

The NASUWT guide on managing the menopause in the workplace provides essential advice for employers on supporting women experiencing menopause. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing menopause as a significant health and safety issue, promoting awareness, and implementing supportive measures. The guide outlines practical steps such as conducting risk assessments, offering flexible working arrangements, and ensuring access to necessary facilities. It aims to create a workplace environment where women feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking help, ultimately fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

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Publisher: NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2021

Region: Europe
Topics: Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: School leaders
Resource type: Web page

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

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The Teacher Wellbeing Index – 2021 highlights the mounting pressures faced by the UK education workforce during the COVID‑19 pandemic: a majority of staff reported work-related psychological symptoms, with stress levels notably rising compared to previous years, particularly among senior leaders. Many continued working even when unwell, while anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of burnout became widespread.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2021

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

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

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

The research captures the lived experiences of 1,000 women educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how gender inequality intensified during this period, with women disproportionately affected by increased unpaid care work, domestic responsibilities, and professional pressures. The findings reveal the emotional and physical toll on women balancing teaching duties with caregiving, often working long hours with little support.

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Publisher: Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2020

Region: Europe
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

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.

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Publisher: Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina (CTERA)
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

Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub Education International’s resource center

Showing 104 Resources Filtered by:

International barometer of education staff (I-BEST 2023)

Coping with death by suicide

Restoring teacher and principal well-being is an essential step for rebuilding schools

Make educator well-being a priority now

Teacher wellbeing index - 2022

Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education

The psychological toll for academic staff of COVID-19

Wellbeing: Leading and managing a well workplace

Managing the menopause in the workplace

Health and safety handbook: Health, safety and welfare Issues

Teacher wellbeing index - 2021

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

National survey plan of educational institutions

One thousand women’s voices: Recording EIS member’s experience and resilience during Covid-19

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