Still Human - Staff Wellbeing

When Martin Seligman first introduced Positive Psychology, many questioned whether happiness and wellbeing could really be measured.

Fast forward to today, and the World Happiness Report 2026 shows just how far we’ve come — recognising that by researching and measuring what enables people to thrive and flourish, we can better support individuals and intentionally build healthier cultures.

This isn’t a ‘fluffy’ report. It’s a collaboration between Oxford University, Gallup, and the United Nations, drawing on data from over 140 countries - and used by governments to rethink what progress really means.

Because what we measure shapes what we prioritise.

The report measures how people evaluate their lives overall, alongside factors like social support, trust, freedom, and health - giving a picture of lived experience, not just economic success.

And the findings are consistent:

The happiest countries - Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands - prioritise connection, trust, and strong social systems.

The UK has dropped from 23rd to 29th place, reminding us that wealth alone isn’t enough.

This year’s focus on social media is particularly informative, albeit a complex picture:
- Heavy use is linked to declining wellbeing among young people in English-speaking countries and Western Europe - especially girls
- Platforms driven by algorithms tend to show a negative relationship with wellbeing
- While those that foster genuine social connection show a positive one

But perhaps most importantly:
- Social connection and a sense of belonging have a far greater impact on life satisfaction than many other factors

So, what does this mean for education?

These findings don’t just matter individually - they matter in the cultures we create in our schools. For our children, young people and staff.

- Do people feel they belong?
- Do they experience trust and psychological safety?
- Are we prioritising the opportunities to experience positive emotions, foster wellbeing and build relationships as much as results?

And we can use these insights to intentionally build environments that improve life satisfaction.
So, what are we measuring in our schools - and what does that say about what we truly value?

Link to the report: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0sQBDf0

On , it’s worth remembering that no amount of lavender spray, silk pillowcases or sleep apps can override our nervous system’s need for safety.

In a previous podcast episode, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan shared a powerful insight: sleep is only possible when the nervous system perceives safety.

She speaks about the difference between outer safety, our circumstances and the constant firefighting many of us do and inner safety, a deeper sense of trust and acceptance that can be cultivated even when life feels demanding or messy.

For those working in high-stress roles, especially in education, survival mode can easily become the norm. Hypervigilance, chronic stress and responsibility keep the nervous system switched on, leaving us feeling tired but wired.

If we want better sleep, we may need to move beyond hacks and ask a more fundamental question:

How safe do I feel on the inside?

🎧 Listen to the full conversation to explore how cultivating inner safety can support better sleep - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kLggLs5fNlMSzZj4TfKMA?si=bX-x_KiTSqCRiAXliSTlfA&nd=1&dlsi=90e7db46d4f14475

Menopause isn't just a 'women's issue' - it can directly and indirectly effect a large part of a school and trust workforce.

With the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, large employers will soon be required to publish menopause action plans, setting out practical support for colleagues experiencing menopause symptoms. From April 2026, schools and trusts can voluntarily introduce action plans, with a legal requirement by 2027 for organisations with 250+ staff.

At this year’s ASCL Conference, Julie Liddell, Managing Director at Still Human (part of Edwin People), will lead a 'Menopause in the workplace' workshop, designed to bring awareness to the impact of menopause within the workplace and to support schools and trusts in designing their own menopause action plans.

In this session attendees will:

- Develop a clear understanding of what menopause is, the physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms, and how these may impact workplace performance and wellbeing.
- Explore how menopause affects retention and understand why organisation awareness is essential for creating inclusive, supportive environments.
- Gain actionable tools and approaches to create menopause-inclusive workplaces.

👉 Join us at the ASCL conference to gain practical tools and insight into creating inclusive workplaces for those experiencing menopause.

Today is National School Governors’ Awareness Day. We take this as an opportunity to celebrate the vital role governors and trustees play in shaping our schools and trusts. While also taking a moment to say thank you to the many governors and trustees who give their time, expertise and care voluntarily – usually alongside demanding day jobs, in service of children, staff and communities.

Governance goes beyond strategy, finance and accountability (important as those are). At its best, strong governance shapes culture: setting ethos, acting as critical friends to senior leaders, and creating conditions in which staff, particularly headteachers and executive leaders can thrive.

In a system under sustained pressure, how governors and trustees challenge and support matters more than ever. As the DfE Education Staff Wellbeing Charter reminds us, “everyone working in education should have the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible standard of wellbeing and mental health.” This means championing staff wellbeing must be a strategic priority.

Thoughtful governance protects wellbeing, encourages psychologically safe leadership, and ensures decisions about performance, policy and finance are also decisions about people.

For governors and trustees who want to build confidence in supporting and constructively challenging staff wellbeing at senior leadership level, we can offer learnings and training through our 'Leading with Care: Essential Training for Governors' workshop.

find out more about our Governors' and trustee training here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rHbtk0

You can now listen to the Still Human podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Hosted by our Managing Director Julie Liddell, each episode features experienced school and trust leaders, authors, psychologists, health and wellbeing experts, and thought leaders from across the education sector, exploring what it really means to stay human in demanding roles.

From navigating workplace pressures and leadership balance, to practical, actionable strategies for self-care and building cultures of organisational wellbeing, we talk openly and realistically about the current challenges facing staff in education.

Whether you’re a leader, teacher, support staff member, or someone passionate about creating thriving cultures across education, this free resource is here to help open up honest conversations around staff wellbeing in your setting.

Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podcast Addict. Links in comments.

New listener ? Catch up on previous episodes and join the conversation.

📅 New dates now live: Menopause Ambassador Training for education staff

Menstruation and menopause are issues of inclusivity. They will impact much of the education workforce – directly or indirectly – and deserve open, informed conversation.

With menopause action plans becoming an expectation from 2026, and mandatory by 2027 for large employers under the Employment Rights Bill, now is the time to lead.

Designed by educators, for educators, our Menopause Ambassador Training builds awareness, reduces stigma, and supports meaningful conversations that can be turned into impactful action plans.

To further support the work Still Human have been championing around Menopause, we're also excited to introduce our Menstrual Health Workshop, new for 2026! Alongside our Menopause Awareness session, this offers wider, inclusive support for schools and trusts, available to book year-around or as part of our Menopause package.

Helen, Senior Manager, shared her experience after taking part in our new Menstrual Health workshop. "As a female and a manager, I thought I had managed to brush up quite well on this subject after receiving nearly no education or guidance, and it was a surprise to learn just how much I DIDN'T know!"

Secure your place here for our Menopause Ambassador training 👉: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rfsTP0

Or get in touch to hear more about our workshops and packages to support your school or trust.

The Teacher Wellbeing Index (Education Support) highlights a growing challenge across education.

Senior leaders are under extreme pressure:

🔹 86% report high stress
🔹 81% experience time poverty
🔹 Burnout is on the rise

Leaders are now identified as the cohort most at risk – a reality that threatens not just individuals, but the stability of the whole system.

This is a systemic issue, and it needs systemic solutions. There are however things within our control that can make a real difference.
That is why it was great to deliver leadership wellbeing training this week to headteachers across the country through Headteacher Chat.

Real impact comes from embedded, whole organisation wellbeing strategies, meaningful support for leaders, and a shared commitment from senior teams, governors and trustees.

Ready to move from awareness to action?

Talk to us about how we support whole school and MAT wellbeing, develop positive, thriving cultures, and provide training for governors and trustees so that wellbeing is prioritised at every level.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0r48kQ0

Happy New Year and welcome back from all of us at Still Human.

As a new term begins, you may be thinking about New Year resolutions. If you are, we’d like to offer a different approach - one that doesn’t ask for a complete overhaul, but instead invites small moments of self-care.

Wellbeing isn’t built through grand gestures or sudden transformations. More often, it grows quietly through tiny habits: pausing to take a breath between lessons, stepping outside for a few moments of daylight, drinking your tea while it’s still warm, or noticing when your body needs rest.

In education, the pressure to keep going can make even the smallest acts of self-care feel indulgent or unnecessary. Yet these brief moments of attention - to your body, your mind, your nervous system - are what help sustain energy, focus and emotional resilience over time.

As we move into this new year, we encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Let wellbeing be something simple, imperfect and realistic. Small enough to fit into busy days, and meaningful enough to remind you that you are still human.

As we wrap up another year of delivering courses and workshops across the UK, we want to take a moment to thank all the educators, school leaders and communities who inspire us daily.

May your Christmas break be filled with joy, rest, and renewal, and may the New Year bring fresh opportunities to thrive and flourish.

From all of us at Still Human, we wish you a season of peace, positivity, and purpose.

Staff wellbeing matters every day — not just as a one-off treat.

Our CPD-accredited Wellbeing Collection gives schools the choice of 3 interactive workshops across the year online or face-to-face.

Designed by educators for educators, these sessions go beyond quick fixes and focus on what really makes a difference:
✨ Stress management
✨ Rest and sleep
✨ Menopause awareness
✨ Workplace wellbeing

Workshops can be tailored to your whole team or specific groups (senior leaders, ECTs, SEND staff, DSLs, support staff).

Let’s build a culture of care that lasts all year round.

We’re so proud to see the ripple effect of our Menopause Ambassador training across schools and Trusts. It’s helping to create safe spaces, spark conversations, and build cultures of compassion and understanding around the menopause.

Jessica Hooper, Headteacher at The Mulberry Bush School, shared that becoming a Menopause Ambassador: "has led to an outpouring of experiences being shared by women in the school, and an open expression of desire to learn more by many of the male members of staff.”

When schools create an environment where staff feel seen and supported, everyone benefits.

👉 Our next Menopause Ambassador training dates are now live — secure your place here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0m-P1D0

Still Human is proud to be collaborating with Claire Preston, Michaela Reaney, and Polly O'Malley from Browne Jacobson to host a day designed for leaders in education.

Join us on Friday, 26th September, for a transformative reset day—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and re-energise as the new academic year begins.

Here’s what the day offers:

✨ Leadership Reflection
✨ Group Coaching & Masterminding – A chance to share wisdom
✨ Resilience & Wellbeing
✨ Strategic Reassessment
✨ Community & Connection – Build meaningful relationships with your fellow leaders

Book now👉https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0mRtSX0