Health and well-being hub

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.

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Publisher: Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö (OAJ)
Country: Finland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Peer relationships Safety Working conditions
Available in: Finnish
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

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 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 executive summary of the research report provides an overview of the findings from a study on teacher workload in Ireland. It highlights the increasing demands on teachers and principals, including administrative tasks, curriculum overload, and special education needs. The report emphasizes the need for additional support, such as administrative assistance, reduced class sizes, and dedicated time for planning and collaboration. .

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO)
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

This guidance is aimed at employers, government policymakers, and trade unions, particularly union representatives and negotiators. Its objective is to provide evidence and a clear framework for reforming workplace policies so that menstruation and menopause are recognised and supported, stigma is reduced, and workers’ wellbeing and equality are promoted within a modern labour force.

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) Fórsa Trade Union Financial Services Union (FSU) Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) Irish Nurses Midwives Organisation (INMO) Services, Industrial, Professional, and Technical Union (SIPTU) UNITE the union Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

The "Menopause in the Workplace Policy Framework" provides comprehensive guidelines for civil service organizations to support employees experiencing menopause. It emphasizes creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, detailing key principles such as health, safety, welfare, and equality. The framework includes guidance on policy development, workplace adjustments, roles and responsibilities

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2023

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

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 (AFT)
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 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

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 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

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

The reportoutlines a nationwide effort to confront the growing impact of trauma on students and educators. Sparked by a leadership meeting in 2019, the report captures insights from a convening of 39 state affiliates, aiming to understand current approaches, build a shared framework, and recommend actionable steps. It emphasizes the complexity of trauma’s root causes and highlights strategies such as educator training, legislative advocacy, and community partnerships.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA) National Council of State Education Associations
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2019

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities
Resource type: Downloadable file

The article explores how schools like Dora Moore in Denver are transforming discipline through community-building strategies such as peace circles, daily check-ins, and conflict-resolution walks. These restorative practices foster stronger relationships between students and educators, replacing punitive approaches with kindness and understanding. Supported by a major NEA grant, Dora Moore has become a model for other schools nationwide, demonstrating how restorative methods can reduce racial disparities in discipline and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2019

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

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.

Download resource in Spanish

Publisher: Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina (CTERA)
Country: Argentina
Year of publication: 2019

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

The report highlights the challenges faced by teachers in managing reproductive health matters within the constraints of the school year and existing sick leave schemes. The report reveals that many teachers experience difficulties in scheduling appointments and treatments, often resorting to using school closures or personal leave. It emphasizes the need for a dedicated reproductive health leave scheme to support teachers, reduce stress, and ensure privacy.

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO)
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2019

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

Ei-iE

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

Showing 40 Resources Filtered by:

Occupational well-being programme

The fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Teacher workload: Executive summary of the INTO research report

Menstruation and menopause: Workplace policy reform for a modern labour force - A trade union led initiative

Menopause in the workplace policy framework for civil service organisations

Suicide and crisis lifeline 988: member support guide

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

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

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

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

Addressing the epidemic of trauma in schools

How restorative practices work for students and educators

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

Reproductive related health matters: INTO member survey report