Teacher Workload – A Major Barrier to Wellbeing

In our last blog, we explored the mental health challenges facing teachers and school leaders. Today, we turn our attention to one of the most significant contributors to these struggles, excessive teacher workload. For many educators, the overwhelming volume of administrative tasks, lesson planning, marking, and extracurricular responsibilities leaves little time for personal wellbeing, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

The link between workload and wellbeing is undeniable. Research has shown that 75% of teachers report an increase in their workload over recent years, with many citing this as a major factor impacting their mental health. Addressing workload issues in schools is essential, not only for protecting the wellbeing of staff but also for ensuring the quality of education provided to students.

In this blog, we’ll examine how the increasing workload is affecting teachers’ wellbeing and offer a few strategies to help reduce it. But as always, our tailored solutions provide hundreds of methods that go beyond the basics, helping your school embed sustainable change for lasting impact.

The Impact of Workload on Teacher Wellbeing

The sheer volume of work educators must manage can result in stress, long working hours, and a blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life. Teacher Index 2023 findings reveal that 57% of education staff have considered leaving their profession due to concerns over workload and mental health. The pressure to meet targets, provide individualised support to students, and maintain administrative duties creates a heavy burden, particularly for senior leaders who must juggle both their own tasks and those of their teams.

This unrelenting pressure can result in:

• Burnout – Many teachers find themselves working well beyond contracted hours, leading to chronic fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
• Increased Absenteeism – Overworked staff are more likely to experience stress-related illnesses, contributing to higher rates of absenteeism.
• Reduced Job Satisfaction – A heavy workload can detract from the joy of teaching, diminishing teachers’ motivation and job satisfaction.

Addressing these issues requires a strategic approach, and the right solutions can transform your school’s workload management processes.

Strategy 1: Conduct a Workload Audit

One of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary tasks is by conducting a workload audit. This process allows schools to review current working practices and identify tasks that can be streamlined, delegated, or eliminated altogether.

Actionable Steps:

• Review Administrative Processes – Take stock of the administrative tasks that teachers are responsible for. Are there opportunities to digitise or streamline these tasks? Could certain duties be reassigned to administrative staff or simplified?
• Delegate Tasks – Leaders should look for opportunities to delegate non-teaching tasks to free up time for educators to focus on their core responsibilities.

By conducting a thorough audit, schools can identify key areas for improvement and reduce the burden placed on staff. At People First, we offer bespoke workload audit services that not only assess current processes but provide practical, tailored recommendations for improvement.

Strategy 2: Improve Time Management Systems

Efficient time management is key to tackling workload challenges. When teachers and leaders have clear, structured time management processes in place, it becomes easier to handle daily demands without becoming overwhelmed.

Actionable Steps:

• Set Clear Priorities – Ensure that staff are empowered to focus on high-impact tasks. Prioritise lesson planning, student support, and professional development over administrative duties.
• Ensure staff have the skills to effectively manage their own time. I know this might sound simple, but do they actualy spend the right amount of time on the right tasks that are going to have the biggest impact on student outcomes?

Our expertise in developing tailored time management strategies allows schools to implement systems that work for their unique needs, helping staff regain control over their workload.

Explore Teacher Workload with People First

While the strategies above provide a starting point, lasting change requires a more comprehensive approach. At People First, we specialise in helping schools create sustainable workload management systems that empower educators and promote wellbeing. Our bespoke solutions not only streamline processes but also provide long-term support that encourages staff to thrive.

By partnering with a specialist, your school can:

• Access Hundreds of Strategies – Benefit from a range of workload management techniques tailored to the specific needs of your staff.
• Improve Staff Retention – When workload is managed effectively, job satisfaction increases, reducing turnover and creating a stable, positive school environment.
• Reduce Absenteeism – A more manageable workload means less stress, better health, and fewer absences due to burnout or illness.

Lessons from My Leadership Journey

Managing the sheer volume of data and reporting demands was another challenge that added to the workload. There were times when teachers would spend more time inputting data than focusing on teaching. I had one member of staff who was particularly overwhelmed by the data collection required for tracking student progress. This made me realise that we needed systems in place to reduce administrative burdens, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best—teaching.

Reducing Workload for a Healthier School Environment

Workload is a major barrier to staff wellbeing in schools. While individual strategies such as workload audits and time management systems can provide short-term relief, partnering with a wellbeing specialist offers the comprehensive support needed to achieve lasting change. Our solutions empower staff, reduce stress, and create a more balanced work environment, allowing educators to focus on what they do best: teaching.

Stay tuned for our next blog where we explore time management and the importance of establishing work-life balance for school staff.

If you’re ready to explore how our Work and Wellbeing Programmes can help your school, reach out to us. Together, we can build a culture that prioritises mental health and helps staff thrive.

Other blog articles that maybe of interest

• Education mental health challenges
• Exploring the pressures – wellbeing in schools