Shifting Focus: Supporting Mental Fitness in the Education Sector

As the summer holidays draw to a close and school staff and leadership teams gear up for a new term, we at Strive find ourselves reflecting on the unique challenges faced by those working in education. Recent discussions in our podcast series Next Generation Workforce have shed light on many of the challenges organisations face regarding employee well-being. With Episode 6 focusing specifically on the education sector, we're compelled to consider the crucial role a proactive approach to employee well-being can play for both educational institutions and their dedicated staff. 

 

The education sector is one where the stakes are high, not just for students but also for the teachers and staff who support and guide them. As Ofsted inspections loom and the expectations placed on schools continue to rise, the mental health and well-being of our education teams are more critical than ever. While the focus is often on academic outcomes and regulatory standards, we believe it is equally important to prioritise the mental fitness of those who make education possible. 

 

 

The beginning of a new school year is a pivotal moment. It's a time when educators return to the classroom with renewed energy but also with the weight of the challenges that lie ahead. The transition back to school can be stressful, with increased scrutiny, high expectations, and the pressure to meet both personal and professional standards. We believe now is the perfect time to start a conversation about how we can better support those in the education sector. 

 

 

At Strive, we specialise in helping our members to improve their mental fitness and well-being through our comprehensive framework built around the 10 Keys of Happiness: Giving, Relating, Energy, Appreciation, Trying Out, Direction, Resilience, Emotions, Acceptance, and Meaning. These principles encourage personal responsibility while emphasising the importance of compassion for ourselves and others. 

 

For educators, maintaining a high level of mental fitness is not just about managing stress; it's about building resilience, finding meaning in their work, and establishing and maintaining positive relationships within their school communities. By focusing on these key areas, we can help educators become more confident, happier, and ultimately more productive - benefiting not only themselves but also their students, colleagues, and the educational environment as a whole. 

 

 

So, over the coming weeks, we have decided to focus our efforts on exploring the unique challenges faced by those in the education sector. We’ll be delving into existing research, gathering insights from experts, and inviting conversations with those directly impacted by these challenges. Our goal is to ensure that we fully understand the specific needs of this community and to offer targeted support that addresses these challenges head-on. 

 

As with all of our work, we believe that collaboration is key to success, and we invite you to join us in this conversation. Whether you’re a school leader looking to support your staff, a team member seeking ways to enhance your mental fitness, or an advocate for mental health in education, we believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a more supportive, compassionate, and mentally fit educational environment.