Supporting Wellbeing

Working in schools is rewarding, but the demands behind the scenes are often hidden.

Beyond teaching and lesson planning, staff carry unseen mental and emotional load from supporting students and colleagues and managing administrative responsibilities. This hidden work can quietly affect wellbeing and performance.

Wellbeing in schools is about more than mindfulness or brief moments of calm. It is about recognising workload pressures, supporting staff through school culture and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. For practical mindfulness strategies that complement these wider approaches, see our previous blog Mindfulness and Wellbeing.

The Unseen Load: Why Work Life Balance is a Challenge

Staff often manage multiple responsibilities that are not always visible. From supporting students and colleagues to handling administrative tasks, this hidden workload can quietly build up and affect wellbeing.

Examples of unseen pressures:

• Supporting students and colleagues while meeting role expectations
• Administrative and operational responsibilities
• Balancing communication across the school team

Recognising this unseen load is the first step in creating realistic, supportive work life balance for everyone in the school.

Trends in Staff Wellbeing: What Schools Are Focusing On in 2026

Wellbeing in schools is evolving. In 2026, the focus is shifting from individual practices to supporting all aspects of staff wellbeing across the school. Schools are looking at ways to make wellbeing part of daily routines and the wider culture.

Key trends include:

• Managing workload Streamlining tasks and processes to reduce unnecessary stress
• Peer support and mentoring Networks where all staff can share experiences and advice
• Resilience and reflective practices Evidence-based approaches to strengthen coping and emotional wellbeing
• Culture and leadership focus Making wellbeing a priority across the whole school, not just an individual responsibility

Research shows that workload, stress and school culture are key factors affecting staff wellbeing across all roles in schools, not just teaching staff.

These trends demonstrate that supporting staff wellbeing benefits everyone in the school and is essential for engagement, retention and a positive learning environment.

The Role of School Culture in Wellbeing

A supportive school culture benefits everyone, not just teaching staff. Leadership, team dynamics and psychological safety all contribute to an environment where every member of the school team feels valued, heard and supported.

Ways schools can foster a positive culture:

• Regular meaningful check-ins with staff to discuss workload and wellbeing
• Collaborative working sessions and shared responsibilities to reduce individual pressure
• Recognition of staff achievements both big and small to promote morale
• Open channels for communication and feedback

When wellbeing is embedded into the culture it benefits staff and has a direct impact on students and the wider school environment.

Why Staff Wellbeing Matters for Students

 Research consistently shows that staff wellbeing is linked to student outcomes. When all school staff are supported and able to manage their workload effectively:

• Students experience more consistent engaged learning and support
• Behaviour and wellbeing improve due to calmer more present staff
• The overall school environment becomes more positive and inclusive

Supporting staff wellbeing is therefore not just an investment in individual team members.  It is an investment in students, the learning environment and the long term health of the school

Work life balance in schools is an ongoing challenge. By recognising the unseen load, staying aware of emerging wellbeing trends and fostering a supportive school culture, schools can help everyone flourish.

Sources:

Education Support, Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025

National Education Union, State of Education Workload and Wellbeing Survey 2025

Chartered College of Teaching, Teacher Wellbeing Insights 2025