In May 2024, Kaiser Permanente collaborated with RMC Health to learn what schools need to create staff well-being spaces that support a positive workplace climate. The multi-phased pilot project explores how training and technical assistance can help schools build better infrastructure and support the implementation and usage of the spaces. Here are some findings from Phase 1 of the project. (Watch this space for more updates and analysis.)
The old adage — “you can’t pour from an empty cup” — couldn’t be more applicable for the important work teachers and staff do. Providing opportunities for educators to prioritize their own emotional and physical well-being makes them more equipped to pour into their students and fully focus on teaching and learning. A healthy and recharged educator is more patient, engaged, and effective in the classroom, while also demonstrating to their students the importance of balance, boundaries, and well-being.
Much of this is about having the space, both physically and symbolically, to recharge. Staff well-being spaces provide a dedicated environment to help reduce stress, promote relaxation away from the classroom, improve morale and positive interpersonal connection, and increase the sense of feeling valued and supported by leadership.
There are a myriad reasons why staff well-being spaces are a helpful piece of the staff wellness puzzle. Creating them doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Some key learnings that have been discovered in the process of piloting well-being spaces have been around the physical space itself, the items most frequently requested, and how the “why” of space is messaged to the staff.
Finding the space
Schools often find the room itself as a roadblock to creating a well-being space. Remember that there is no right spot — repurposed storage areas, unused classrooms or offices, or the revamp of an already existing staff lounge can all be effective locations. The key is creating an environment that is warm and positive; not one that feeds into the dreaded stereotype of the teachers’ lounge, where staff go to heat up their lunch and continue to talk about teaching. Whatever the space, however big or small, it should be one that can accommodate a true break, mentally and physically.
Filling the space
Upon surveying educators across multiple districts and grade levels, the same items continued to surface as highly desirable. Teachers and staff want two main things: a comfortable, inviting space; and things that make their break feel like it recharges them.
To create a comfortable space, sofas and armchairs, warm lamp lighting, plush area rugs, living plants, and wall art were all identified as highly desirable.
For the recharging component, electronics charging stations (no pun intended), a coffee station stocked with supplies, an ice machine, and massage tools were the top requested items. Interestingly, items like a Bluetooth speaker, sound machine, or television were very low on the request list, with staff indicating that they want little stimulation and a truly quiet place to unwind.
Messaging the space
Taking the initiative to create a well-being space in their school reinforces to staff that their wellness is a priority for the administration. That said, it is important to recognize that a room is not a magic solution for wellness and satisfaction. The well-being space should be coupled with clear and supportive messaging from leadership acknowledging the reality of teacher and staff stressors and their desire to create a workplace culture that works to combat feelings of burnout. The well-being space is just one piece of the puzzle and should be complemented by other building norms that promote a healthy work / life balance and honor the well-being of employees.
Human capital is a school’s most important asset. Student success directly correlates to the knowledge, dedication, and well-being of all staff in the building. When educators feel supported, valued, and cared for, they are better equipped to engage students and foster an impactful learning environment. Prioritizing initiatives that reduce stress and prevent burnout such as a staff well-being space demonstrates a school’s commitment to sustaining a strong and motivated workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.
