This is the truth about wellbeing at work – what it is and what it’s not

If you’re a teacher, chances are you’ve heard a lot about “wellbeing”.

It’s the buzzword at staff meetings, the headline on emails, and maybe even the theme of your next professional development day. But here’s the question: What does wellbeing at work actually mean? And perhaps just as important, what doesn’t it mean?

Let’s break it down.

What Wellbeing at Work Is

At its core, wellbeing at work is about creating the conditions where you can thrive — not just survive. For teachers, this means more than a surface-level nod to mindfulness or a fruit platter in the staff room. It’s about addressing the whole person: physically, emotionally, socially, and professionally.

1. A Culture of Care: Wellbeing starts with an environment that prioritizes people over policies. This means leaders who genuinely check in with staff, not just to tick a box, but because they value the human beings who show up every day.
2. Workload That’s Manageable: Let’s be real: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Wellbeing means ensuring teachers have realistic expectations and the resources they need to meet them. It’s about eliminating unnecessary red tape and trusting teachers to use their time effectively.
3. Opportunities for Growth: Wellbeing thrives in spaces where you feel supported to grow. Whether it’s professional learning, mentorship, or simply being trusted to try new ideas, this element acknowledges your need for purpose and progress.
4. Belonging and Connection: Schools are communities, and wellbeing flourishes in places where staff feel connected. Building strong, respectful relationships with colleagues creates a foundation of trust and shared understanding.
5. Boundaries That Protect You: Wellbeing involves saying “no” when your plate is already full. It’s about leaders respecting that boundary and encouraging staff to prioritize their health over perfectionism.

What Wellbeing at Work Isn’t

Let’s get clear on what wellbeing isn’t, because sometimes the word gets hijacked or watered down into something it was never meant to be.

1. A One-Off Workshop: Real wellbeing isn’t a single PD session on resilience or a mindfulness app subscription. While these can be helpful tools, they’re not a substitute for systemic change.
2. Another Thing on Your To-Do List: Wellbeing shouldn’t feel like an extra box to tick. If your school’s wellbeing initiatives add more pressure or guilt, they’re missing the point.
3. Toxic Positivity: Let’s ditch the idea that wellbeing is about smiling through the hard stuff or pretending everything is fine. True wellbeing means acknowledging challenges and providing real support, not plastering over issues with slogans like “just stay positive.”
4. A Quick Fix: Wellbeing isn’t a band-aid solution for systemic problems. You can’t yoga your way out of burnout caused by unmanageable workloads, toxic leadership, or lack of support.
5. Uniform for Everyone: What works for one teacher might not work for another. Real wellbeing is about offering a menu of supports and letting people choose what resonates with them.

How to Advocate for “Real” Wellbeing

1. Start Small, but Think Big: Begin by making changes within your control. Maybe it’s setting firmer boundaries on your availability or finding a wellbeing buddy to check in with weekly. But don’t stop there; advocate for structural changes in your school or district.
2. Focus on Systems, Not Symptoms: Push for workload audits, better communication processes, and leadership that models self-care. True wellbeing comes from addressing root causes.
3. Celebrate Wins: Wellbeing isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Celebrate the small steps you and your school take toward a healthier, more sustainable culture.

Final Thoughts

Wellbeing at work is about honouring the humanity of teachers. It’s about creating environments where you can not only do your job but love your job. And when we get it right, the ripple effects reach every corner of the school community, from staff to students to families.

Let’s stop settling for token gestures and start advocating for the real deal. You deserve nothing less.