Date Published: May 5, 2025
At the end of 2022, government reports revealed a concerning drop in teacher recruitment, with the Department for Education missing its own targets and training numbers falling short by 20%. Against this backdrop of growing workload pressure and rising attrition, the topic of staff wellbeing has never been more urgent.
While many strategies aim to support wellbeing in schools, one of the most overlooked and effective approaches is creating opportunities for meaningful work. When educators find purpose and fulfilment in their roles, it not only boosts mental health and job satisfaction but can also lead to improved outcomes for pupils and school culture as a whole.
In this guide, we’ll explore what meaningful work looks like in a school setting, how it impacts staff wellbeing, and practical steps school leaders can take to support it.
What Is Meaningful Work?
In simple terms, meaningful work is work that goes beyond the paycheque. It aligns with a person’s values, sparks their interest, and gives them a sense of contribution. It’s the difference between completing tasks and feeling genuinely invested in the outcome.
For teachers and school staff, meaningful work is about more than delivering the curriculum or managing logistics. It’s about shaping young minds, creating safe environments, and contributing to a better future. When school staff see their work as valuable and impactful, they are more likely to experience a sense of professional purpose.
What Does Meaningful Work Look Like in Schools?
There are countless ways for school staff to find meaning in their work. For many, it comes from daily interactions with pupils—seeing growth, supporting challenges, or sparking curiosity in a lesson.
However, not everyone experiences that connection. Some educators may feel bogged down by administrative duties, isolated from their colleagues, or unsupported by leadership. Others may feel their efforts go unrecognised or that policies and workloads make it harder to focus on what truly matters.
In a meaningful work environment, staff are not just showing up for the timetable. They are actively engaged, feel connected to the wider school mission, and continuously strive to improve their practice. They participate in school life, seek feedback, and value collaboration—not because they’re told to, but because they believe in what they’re doing.
How Does Meaningful Work Impact Staff Wellbeing?
When school staff are engaged in meaningful work, their overall wellbeing improves across multiple areas:
1. Improved Mental Health
When individuals find value in what they do, they are more resilient in the face of stress. Meaningful work fosters higher self-esteem, a stronger sense of identity, and greater emotional stability—important tools for managing the pressures of school life.
2. Better Physical Health
Stress affects the body just as much as the mind. Teachers with low job satisfaction are more likely to suffer from sleep problems, fatigue, and chronic health conditions. Those who find meaning in their roles tend to be more energised, physically active, and better equipped to cope.
3. Lower Risk of Burnout
Burnout is a major concern in education, often caused by long hours, emotional strain, and a lack of control. But when teachers feel their work has purpose, they are more likely to recover from setbacks and remain committed to the profession.
4. Stronger Professional Relationships
Shared purpose strengthens team bonds. Staff who value their roles are more inclined to support one another, collaborate effectively, and maintain respectful, trusting relationships across departments.
5. Greater Engagement and Retention
Meaningful work leads to higher engagement, improved job satisfaction, and reduced turnover. Teachers are more likely to stay in their roles—and in the profession—when they feel their work truly matters.
Why Staff Wellbeing Matters Now More Than Ever
The current teaching climate is marked by high stress and low morale. Recent surveys show that:
- 90% of teachers have experienced increased work-related stress over the past year.
- 91% say their job has negatively affected their mental health.
- 64% report negative impacts on their physical health.
These figures make it clear: supporting staff wellbeing must go beyond wellbeing weeks and token gestures. It requires structural change—starting with how schools help staff find meaning in their work.
How Can School Leaders Create More Meaningful Work?
While every school is different, here are some evidence-informed actions school leaders can take:
1. Foster a Shared Mission and Vision
Staff are more engaged when they understand the school’s goals and feel part of the journey. Involve them in setting school values, priorities, and future plans. Help them see how their work contributes to a bigger picture.
2. Prioritise Relationship-Building
Teachers who feel connected to colleagues are more likely to stay motivated. Create opportunities for informal connection through team-building activities, staff socials, or cross-departmental collaboration.
3. Reduce Administrative Overload
One of the biggest barriers to meaningful work is unnecessary admin. Review internal processes and seek feedback from staff. Could marking policies be simplified? Could digital tools help reduce duplication?
4. Recognise Effort and Impact
Meaningful work is often unrecognised. Celebrate the small wins, from classroom achievements to behind-the-scenes efforts. A simple ‘thank you’ or shout-out in a staff meeting can make a lasting difference.
5. Regularly Check In and Listen
Make space for open dialogue. Whether through surveys, drop-in sessions or informal chats, let staff share how they’re feeling. Respond with genuine action—particularly when they raise concerns about workload or wellbeing.
6. Support Personal Development
Invest in professional learning opportunities that go beyond compliance. Offer CPD that aligns with staff interests and career goals. When people grow, they stay.
Final Thoughts
Helping teachers and school staff find meaning in their work is one of the most powerful ways to improve wellbeing. It supports retention, strengthens school culture, and—most importantly—makes our schools better places to work and learn.
As a school leader, you have the tools to create a culture where purpose, support, and collaboration thrive. Start small, listen often, and remember that when staff wellbeing improves, everyone benefits—including your pupils.
