Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Physical health

A lack of well-being at work often leads to a decline in physical health, with common symptoms including sleep disturbances, voice disorders, headaches, exhaustion, fatigue, and muscular tension. These physical effects not only reduce energy and productivity but also contribute to emotional strain and burnout, making it harder for educators to engage effectively with students and colleagues.

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Topics: Physical health
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Teacher wellbeing index - 2024

Research

This report draws on a survey of over 3,000 UK education professionals to reveal persistently high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout across the sector, with 77% of staff reporting mental health symptoms linked to their work. It highlights a worrying increase in challenging behavior from pupils (82%) and difficult interactions with parents (70%), both of which significantly impact staff wellbeing, and underscores the negative effects of inadequate support from public services on morale and work-life balance. While there are slight improvements in perceptions of workplace culture, concerns such as insomnia (46%), irritability, and concentration difficulties remain widespread.

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Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2024
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

Joint union heatwave protocol

Guides

The Joint Union Heatwave Protocol from the NEU provides practical guidance for schools and colleges to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. It outlines short-term measures such as adjusting dress codes, modifying lunch menus, relocating classes, and ensuring access to water and ventilation. It also recommends long-term planning, including retrofitting buildings, improving ventilation, and conducting risk assessments to protect staff and students. The protocol encourages collaboration between employers and union representatives to ensure health, safety, and minimal disruption to learning during heatwaves

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union (NEU)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Climate change Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Online ressource

Mental health: A great investment for teachers in Africa?

Webinar and conference recordings

This webinar explores systemic approaches and promising practices that strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions for teachers in Africa, with the goal of improving learning outcomes. It presents key issues that teachers currently face which may impact their mental health and wellbeing, showcases evidence-based MHPSS interventions for educators, and identifies strategies for creating linkages with various stakeholders to support teachers. By highlighting the critical connection between teacher wellbeing and educational quality, the webinar promotes collaborative and informed responses across the education and mental health sectors.

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

The fundamental conventions on occupational safety and health

Guides

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

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.

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Publisher
Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb)
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

Stress

Guides

The page provides facts about stress at work, highlighting its potential to adversely affect both mental and physical health. It explains that stress can arise from various sources, including organizational changes, work overload, and relationship difficulties. The page details the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress, such as heart disease, ulcers, anxiety, and depression. It also emphasizes the importance of employers having clear policies on stress and conducting risk assessments. Practical advice is offered for coping with work pressures, and resources are provided for further support.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Research

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.

Open resource in English
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

Early childhood educators: New data on the challenges they face raises the alarm about an education sector at risk

Opinion/commentary

This opinion article highlights the challenges faced by early childhood education (ECE) personnel, emphasizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their employment conditions. It discusses the findings of the International Barometer of the Health and Wellbeing of Education Personnel (I-BEST), which reveal issues such as poor working conditions, low salaries, lack of professional recognition, and high levels of stress and job dissatisfaction among ECE workers.

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Publisher
Education International (EI)
Year of publication
2023
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Level of education
Early childhood education
Resource type
Web page

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

Research

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2023 sheds light on the mounting mental health crisis within the UK education sector. Drawing on responses from over 3,000 education professionals, the report reveals widespread experiences of stress, burnout, and sleep disturbances, particularly among school leaders. Feelings of loneliness are alarmingly high, with education staff reporting twice the level of workplace loneliness compared to the general population. Confidence in the current inspection framework is critically low, with the majority viewing it as detrimental to mental health and lacking in credibility.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Pandemics and epidemics 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

Violence, threats and power application

Guides

Vold, trusler og magtanvendelseg is a guidance document aimed at supporting teachers and school staff in handling situations involving violence, threats, and the use of force in Danish schools. It outlines the legal framework, including the rights and obligations of employees, and provides practical advice on how to respond to incidents, report them, and seek support. The pamphlet emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, clear communication, and collaboration between staff, management, and local authorities to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.

Download resource in Danish
Publisher
Danish Union of Teachers (DLF)
Country
Denmark
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in
Danish
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Supporting our mental health and wellbeing

Guides

This short film created by the teacher union EIS during Mental Health Awareness Week, features three members who share personal insights on the critical role of mental health in education. The video emphasizes how collective action through union support can lead to meaningful improvements in workplace wellbeing.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

Suicide and crisis lifeline 988: member support guide

Guides

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.

Download resource in English
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

“Social emotional development for teachers”: An innovative program to improve teacher well-being in El Salvador

Research

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The "Social Emotional Development for Teachers" program in El Salvador aims to enhance teacher well-being by addressing the significant social and emotional challenges they face, such as stress from gang violence and community insecurity. The program provides over 3,000 teachers with training in social-emotional learning strategies and mindfulness practices to help them manage their emotions and reduce stress. This initiative is designed to improve teachers' relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and contributing to a more positive educational environment.

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) FHI360
Country
El Salvador
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Safety Social emotional skills
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file

Developing teachers’ abilities to create trauma-informed classrooms and teach psychological resilience-building using cognitive behavioral approaches in Mindanao, Philippines.

Research

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The initiative focuses on enhancing teachers' abilities to create trauma-informed classrooms and build psychological resilience using cognitive behavioral approaches. The program aims to equip teachers with coping skills and resilience-building techniques for their own mental well-being. By understanding their own mental health needs and learning evidence-based psychological strategies, teachers can better manage their emotions and stress.

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Education Development Center
Country
Philippines
Year of publication
2022
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Safety
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file

‘Supporting the supporters’: Refugee teachers and teachers living in protracted conflicts

Research

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The NRC provides comprehensive support mechanisms for teachers, including capacity building, expressive arts therapy, recreational activities, and a phone hotline for counseling. These efforts aim to equip teachers with the skills to address their own emotional and social needs, thereby improving their ability to support their students effectively. The initiative has shown positive outcomes, with teachers reporting increased resilience, improved stress management, and enhanced professional growth.

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Norwegian Refugee Council
Country
Palestine Jordan
Year of publication
2022
Region
Arab Countries
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Migrants and refugees
Resource type
Downloadable file