Supporting staff well being
A healthy, supported workforce creates a positive environment for children, families, and colleagues. Promoting staff wellbeing in early years and childcare settings can improve morale, reduce stress, increase staff retention, and foster a positive workplace culture.
Effective wellbeing initiatives should support physical health, emotional wellbeing, positive workplace relationships, and a healthy work-life balance.
Staff who feel valued, supported, and cared for are more likely to remain engaged, motivated, and able to provide high-quality care and education. Small, consistent actions can have a significant impact on wellbeing across the whole team.
Creating a supportive environment
Wellbeing essentials
Simple measures can make a significant difference to staff wellbeing:
- provide wellbeing baskets stocked with essentials such as hand cream, sanitary products, sunscreen, hair ties, and healthy snacks
- ensure free access to drinking water, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit
- create a comfortable, quiet break area where staff can relax and recharge
- encourage small acts of kindness, such as thank-you notes, recognition cards, or occasional treats
- consider offering staff a day off or additional leave to celebrate their birthday
Leadership and communication
Strong leadership plays a key role in promoting staff wellbeing.
- maintain an open-door policy where staff feel safe discussing concerns
- use supervision meetings to check on wellbeing, not just performance and compliance requirements
- manage workloads realistically and encourage staff to seek support when needed
- regularly recognise achievements and celebrate personal and professional milestones
- create a staffroom "shout-out" wall where parents, children, and colleagues can share positive comments, thank-you messages, and team successes
Promoting work-life balance
Employers can support healthy boundaries by
- reducing unnecessary administrative tasks where possible
- ensuring staff are not expected to respond to work-related messages outside contracted hours
- allowing sufficient time for annual leave, rest, and recovery
- encouraging staff to engage in activities that support their wellbeing and personal interests
Team activities and wellbeing initiatives
Consider introducing:
- wellbeing discussions as part of regular staff meetings
- seasonal wellbeing events, celebrations, or shared team meals
- opportunities for peer appreciation and team-building activities
- regular staff wellbeing surveys to gather staff feedback and identify areas for improvement
Creating a comfortable workspace
When reviewing your learning environment, consider how well it supports staff as well as children.
Workstations
As a manager ask:
- Do staff have suitable spaces to complete paperwork and planning?
- Are desks, chairs, and equipment comfortable, safe, and practical?
- Can staff work without unnecessary physical strain or discomfort?
Safe manual handling
Consider:
- Are staff trained in safe lifting and manual handling techniques?
- Are heavy items moved safely and appropriately?
- Are procedures in place to minimise physical strain and prevent injury?
Staff break areas
Review whether:
- staff have access to a dedicated break space away from children
- refreshments are readily available
- the area provides a comfortable environment to rest and recharge
Managing work outside contracted hours
Reflect on whether:
- staff regularly take work home
- work-related communication occurs outside contracted hours
- team members have sufficient opportunities to rest and disconnect from work
Mental wellbeing ideas
As part of staff training and development, consider offering:
- mental health awareness sessions
- training on stress management, resilience, and time management
- mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation sessions
- information and signposting to confidential counselling and support services
Physical wellbeing Ideas
- ensure staff have access to suitable seating and ergonomic equipment
- hold walking meetings where appropriate
- provide healthy snacks and encourage regular hydration
- promote regular movement and stretching throughout the working day where possible
Social wellbeing Ideas
- offer flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
- create welcoming staff break areas with books, games, or relaxation resources
- organise occasional social events to strengthen team relationships
- introduce a positive feedback or recognition board
- reward teams with wellbeing-focused incentives, appreciation events, or occasional early finishes where possible
Additional support and resources
Further information and mental health support are available from the following organisations: