ÌÇÐÄVlog

We surveyed teachers around the world for our 2026 Global Wellbeing Report, and we found that 59% of teachers around the world find their workload unmanageable. When we asked what schools could do to improve wellbeing, a better work-life balance was the most common response. 

This blog explores the impacts of teacher workload for staff members and schools as a whole, and what school leaders can do to help.  

What are the effects of teacher workload? 

If most of the teachers we surveyed said their workload was unmanageable, what does this mean for teachers and schools? 

Wellbeing 

Overwhelming workloads have an inevitable impact on teachers’ mental health and wellbeing. Of the teachers we surveyed, 73% said their workload is their leading cause of stress. 

A teacher’s wellbeing is key regardless of work, in enabling them to better manage and cope with the challenges of everyday life – and to generally be happier and healthier. 

The wellbeing of your teachers also impacts the experience and outcomes of the students they teach; better wellbeing increases retention and resilience, supporting stronger relationships between teachers and their students. 

Working hours 

A heavy workload often leads teachers to work outside of their contracted hours. Our report found: 

• 63% of teachers work at least 6 additional hours every week 

• 38% of teachers work at least 9 additional hours every week 

• Only 4% of teachers work within their contracted hours 

Most of these extra hours are spent lesson planning, marking and on administrative tasks. 

Working extra hours often comes at a cost to a teacher’s mental health and wellbeing by giving teachers less time away from work, increasing the risk of burnout. 

Teachers leaving the profession 

The stress caused by unmanageable workloads could have big implications for schools. Our report found that almost half of respondents do not plan to stay in teaching long-term â€“ and workload was amongst the top reasons for wanting to leave the profession. 

This will only further contribute to existing issues of teacher shortages – and in turn, will put more pressure on remaining teachers, potentially increasing their workloads even more. 

How can school leaders help teachers manage their workload? 

The data shows that current teacher workloads are not sustainable – and with the potential of worsening teacher shortages, it’s essential that as a school leader, you find ways to support teachers to manage their workloads. 

Simplify processes

Our report found frustration at the amount of time teachers spend on admin. Ensuring your administrative processes are as straightforward as possible means your staff can spend less time on paperwork, lessening their workload and in turn reducing stress. 

Many teachers we surveyed highlighted the fact that paperwork demands are increasingly caused by the need to report on student behaviour. 

Using purpose-built learning management software such as SEQTA enables you to mitigate this pressure, integrating data on student learning, attendance and wellbeing to save time and increase impact.

Reconsider your habits 

Teachers we surveyed also expressed frustration at attending meetings that feel unnecessary and take up valuable time. As a leader, it’s important you reconsider the things that have become habits – you might be used to having a reoccurring meeting, but is it the best use of time? 

It may be useful to consider: 

• Whether a meeting is necessary or if information be shared differently  

• If your agenda is firm enough and how often your meetings run over 

• Alternative ways for staff to ask questions, such as with an online form with responses shared via email or intranet – this saves valuable time for all staff members, as questions and answers aren’t likely to be relevant to everyone 

Understand what teachers need 

To support teachers to manage their workload, you need to understand the problems they’re facing. Undertaking wellbeing surveys shows staff you value them and want to listen, as well as helping you understand what support they need. 

This can also be useful in ensuring you get the most out of the staff you have, which is especially important where support staff and resources are limited. 

Surveys give teachers a chance to share where they lack support and where they don’t need it, which can give you a better understanding of where specific resources or support staff may be most useful. 

Repeating surveys over time enables you to measure progress and identify changing needs over time. 

The state of teacher wellbeing in 2026 

Our 2026 Wellbeing Report is based on data from over 2,800 educators across the world. It provides a picture of teacher wellbeing amongst current challenges, highlighting where schools are doing well and where change is needed. 

It's key for all of us to support teachers – and that starts with understanding what they’re facing. 

Read the report

This blog article is based on data from a global teacher wellbeing survey ÌÇÐÄVlog conducted in December 2025.