What to do about teacher stress - elected staff representatives

Be pro-active

Employees may be reluctant to admit that they are feeling stressed by work (because symptoms of stress tend to be seen as signs of weakness).

Finding that one employee is suffering from work-related stress may well represent the tip of an iceberg.

• be on the lookout for the emergence of stress symptoms in colleagues
• investigate the possibilities for reducing workload and increasing ancillary support (eg secretarial support for teachers, technicians, exam invigilators, break and lunchtime duty support)

Also

• ask the headteacher to carry out a risk assessment for stress
• check that the school has efficient systems to prevent bullying and harassment
• check that the school has an agreed grievance procedure and efficient systems for proper investigation of complaints
• check that there is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including a counselling service paid for by the employer (often the LEA)

Monitor the situation

Pressures can increase slowly, but inexorably, and so may not be recognised.

Where to get more advice

Advice for all

Teacherline 08000 562 561 (24 hours)

National workplace bullying hotline telephone 01235 21228 (recorded message)

Advice from specific Unions

ATL

Stress Helpline : 08705 234 828 - freely available to members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is staffed by specially-trained medical staff who can provide counselling as well as advice and information on how to combat stress.

NATFHE

Stress Helpline : 08702 433055: - NATFHE members can call at any time of day or night if work or personal pressures become too much. Staffed by trained nurses and counsellors. Calls will be charged at the standard rate

NAS/UWT

NUT

PAT