Can We Talk About Staffrooms? I'm Sick of Seeing This...

I’ve been in over 1000 schools, and there’s something I’m tired of seeing in staffrooms… 

👉 Outdated posters curling at the corners 
👉 Compliance-driven checklists that suck the joy out of the wall 
👉 Scrappy tables and chairs that scream “don’t stay long” 
👉 And those classic passive-aggressive signs: “Please wash your own dishes.” 
(I mean really… we’re adults. That should be a given!) 

Here’s the thing: the staffroom is meant to be the heartbeat of a school. A space to connect, recharge, and build community. Not a place that drains energy the minute you walk in. 

So, here are some simple switches that make a huge difference: 

✨ Create a café-style corner – a welcoming vibe that invites connection. 
✨ Design a chill-out zone – somewhere you can actually breathe. 
✨ Put up uplifting posters with purposeful, informative messages (and change them monthly so they stay fresh!). 
✨ Add a staff wellbeing wall – a simple space with a weekly focus or intention. You can use card decks (I have several ready to go!) to spark reflection and solution-focused attention. This isn’t another “activity” that costs time — it’s a simple, visual way to remind staff to pause, reflect, and reset. 

It doesn’t take much, but these little tweaks can shift a culture. When staffrooms feel inviting, people feel valued. And when people feel valued, magic happens in schools. 

I’d love to hear from you: 

• What’s working well in your staffroom? 

• Share your pics and ideas on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.  

Let’s build a bank of inspiration to help each other shine. 

Because a thriving staffroom doesn’t just make the space look better. 

It makes us feel better.