Supporting teacher wellbeing: The importance of staffroom design

Why teacher wellbeing matters

When we talk about teacher wellbeing, we’re talking about physical, emotional, mental and professional wellness. Teachers are at the heart of every school so it’s no surprise that their health directly impacts the classroom environment. When teachers feel supported, they’re better equipped to engage with students and foster positive learning experiences. In fact, studies show that when teachers have access to dedicated spaces that allow them to decompress and connect with colleagues, they report higher job satisfaction and lower levels of stress.
 
When educators face burnout, stress, or fatigue, it not only impacts their own health but can also affect the quality of education they provide. Across the globe, teacher burnout is on the rise, making it more important than ever to ensure schools offer spaces that nurture their wellbeing.

The role of a staffroom in teacher wellbeing

The school staffroom is where teachers spend most of their non-teaching school-time, making it essential to create a space that reflects their value within the school community. A thoughtfully designed staffroom offers more than just functionality; it should cater to the diverse needs of everyone who uses it. Whether a teacher needs a moment of solitude or a collaborative area, the staffroom plays a vital role in supporting teacher wellbeing.

Recently, we refreshed the staffroom at Milson Primary School with soft furnishings, tiered seating, and pops of colour. The existing staffroom was overwhelmingly mismatched and hard to move around in. Introducing different zones and making the furniture cohesive were key factors in the staffroom upgrade.

Designing a staffroom

We’ve worked alongside teachers for years, learning about their most productive teaching spaces that drives energy and enables learning. Here are some key insights we've discovered that truly enhance teacher wellbeing, along with Furnware furniture recommendations to bring these ideas to life.

Teachers are mentors and support systems for their students – roles that often demand endless energy. But how can we expect teachers to pour from an empty cup? When teachers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to bring their best selves to the classroom – and that benefits everyone. With thoughtful design and smart furniture solutions, we can create spaces that don’t just function but truly care for the wellbeing of those who inspire the next generation.

Sources, Resources, and Further Reading

Images from Wainuiomata High School, New Zealand.

Coleman, J. (2009). Wellbeing in schools: Empirical measure, or politician’s dream. Oxford Review of Education, 35(3), 281–292.

Flores, M. A. (2019). Unpacking teacher quality: Key issues for early career teachers. In A. Sullivan, B. Johnson, & M. Simons (Eds.), Attracting and keeping the best teachers: Issues and opportunities. Springer Singapore: Singapore
 
Global Happiness Council. (2018). Global happiness policy report 2018. New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
 
Kern, M. L., Waters, L., Adler, A., & White, M. (2014). Assessing employee well-being in schools using a multifaceted approach: Associations with physical health, life satisfaction, and professional thriving. Psychology, 5(6), 500–513.
 
McCallum, F., & Price, D. (2010). Well teachers, well students. The Journal of
Student Wellbeing, 4 (1), 19–34.
 
McCallum, F., & Price, D. (2016). Nurturing well-being development in education. New York, NY: Routledge.