Improving staff well-being is one of the biggest challenges that schools currently face. Both external and internal factors can play a part in this. Recognising staff well-being is an important aspect in creating a positive and productive working environment.
The TES’ 2024 School Well-Being Report identified that 74% of the teaching staff surveyed had contemplated leaving the profession in the last year. In this blog we look at ways to help boost staff well-being, and how your school can take practical steps to nurture a good, positive working environment.
1. Provide regular training and development
Providing staff opportunities to undertake quality, comprehensive training and continuing professional development not only improves engagement in their role, but also helps empower them to make decisions and feel confident in their skills.
TES noted in their report that in 2024, 75% of staff surveyed felt confident in performing their role as opposed to 58% the year before. An encouraging sign.
2. Monitor staff workload
Addressing workload issues and providing adequate resources and support to manage workload pressures is essential for preventing burnout and promoting staff well-being. Try streamlining processes by taking advantage of tech in areas such as behaviour management, timetabling and planning to save valuable time.
This in turn helps to ensure that staff do not become overwhelmed, promotes a sense of value and can help towards a stress-free environment.
3. Offer flexible working arrangements
Flexible working arrangements, such as part-time options or job-sharing opportunities, can help staff balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments. More and more schools are thinking out of the box and adopting new working initiatives. Such as flexible working weeks or fortnights, giving staff time to reset and gain a greater work-life balance. Could this work for your school?
4. Run an employee assistance programme
Ensuring that staff have access to confidential support services such as counselling, mental health helplines and employee assistance programs can be crucial. And with times as they are, can be detrimental to staff feeling supported. There are many schemes available on the market that provide these benefits. Some offer financial advice, shopping discount vouchers and even recipes!
5. Encourage staff to stay active
Promoting physical health through initiatives such as exercise classes, healthy eating programs and access to discounted gym facilities can have a great and positive impact on mental health. Many schools now have access to gym facilities, but if you don’t, approach local leisure centres and gyms. Consider reaching out to your local community to see if there are opportunities to collaborate.
Good well-being can achieve a ripple effect that will resonate throughout the whole school community, providing a supportive environment for all staff and students to flourish together.
If you’d like to read the full TES School Well-being Report 2024, you can sign up and download a copy here.
If you’d like help with implementing new staff well-being initiatives at your school, find out how Ambleglow can help. Book a Discovery Call with one of our friendly team here.
