09 AugPreventing staff burnout
Addressing staff burnout: supporting your team’s wellbeing
In the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, professionals have a vital role in nurturing children’s development. However, this dedication can come with heightened stress levels, potentially leading to staff burnout. Below are some strategies to alleviate the strain on staff during challenging periods.
- Provide training and development opportunities
Employers can provide training and development opportunities for staff to help them develop new skills and knowledge. This can help staff feel more confident and competent in their roles, which can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. - Offer flexible working arrangements
Employers who offer flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or job-share positions, help staff maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can help staff feel less overwhelmed and more energized, which can reduce the risk of burnout - Encourage teamwork and collaboration
Employers can encourage teamwork and collaboration among staff to help them feel more supported and connected. This can also help staff share ideas and best practices, which can improve the quality of care and education provided to children - Recognise the effort and expertise of your staff
Celebrate the hard work and achievements of your staff. This can help boost staff morale and motivation and reduce the risk of burnout.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Victorian Department of Education (DE) has a Wellbeing Support Program (EAP) for VECTEA 2020 signatories (and VECTEA mirror agreements).
DE has engaged Benestar Group to deliver the Wellbeing Support Program (Best You by Benestar), which includes confidential and free counselling for eligible teachers and educators and mediation and critical incident response services. Members seeking further information about the Wellbeing Support Program services should contact the DE Early Learning Operations team at kindergarten.funding@education.vic.gov.au .
For further inquiries or guidance, our ELAA members are invited to reach out to ELAA’s Member Solutions Team via membersolutions@elaa.org.au.
Be You
Be You has resources for both pre-service teachers, educators, learning communities as well as leaders within the ECEC sector. We recommend you visit their website to access these resources and also to make contact with a Be You consultant.
