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 - 2022

Research

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

Aspiring educators: Protect your mental health

Guides

The article offers guidance for aspiring educators on maintaining their mental health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of utilizing on-campus health clinics and counseling services, recognizing the signs of mental health issues, and seeking support from various resources. The article also emphasizes the role of self-care and organizational strategies.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Early-stage career
Resource type
Web page

Mental health in academia: The challenges faculty face predate the pandemic and require systemic solutions

Research

The article on Academic Matters discusses the persistent mental health challenges faced by faculty in academia, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but existed long before it. It highlights the heavy workloads, high expectations, and systemic issues within academic institutions that contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among faculty members. The article emphasizes the need for systemic solutions, including better working conditions, fair compensation, and supportive policies, to address these long-standing issues and improve the mental health and well-being of academic staff.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Academic Matters
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Specific communities
Women
Resource type
Web page

Wellbeing: Leading and managing a well workplace

Guides

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

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

Presentation of results to the media – UNSA barometer of education professions 2021

Research

The 2021 UNSA Education Barometer reveals the challenges faced by education professionals in France, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose among educators, the survey highlights a persistent lack of respect and recognition, with 66% of respondents feeling undervalued. The barometer also underscores the need for improved working conditions, better health support, and enhanced training.

Open resource in French
Publisher
Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education (UNSA Education)
Country
France
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Job satisfaction Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Web page

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
France Canada Belgium 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

Teacher wellbeing index - 2021

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 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.

Download resource in English
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

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.

Open resource in Spanish
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

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

Research

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.

Open resource in Spanish
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

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

Guides

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 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

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of ourselves and others

Guides

The page provides a number of resources for promoting mental and physical health, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers materials for understanding and discussing mental health, including links to organizations like Anxiety UK, the BBC, and the NHS for additional support. The page emphasizes the importance of self-care, supporting those around us, and addressing issues such as isolation, substance misuse, and domestic abuse.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Six strategies to take care of a teacher

Guides

The article discusses six small strategies for teachers to take care of themselves. It emphasizes the importance of adjusting daily routines to maintain physical and mental health, creating a personal space for relaxation, prioritizing self-care, learning new skills, engaging in small activities to feel better, and taking care of one's body as a crucial tool for teaching.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE)
Country
Mexico
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page