How to beat saffroom blues, maintain morale

Known as the teachers’ lounge, the staffroom is a common feature in every school.

It is where teachers go before, after, and between classes—where they exchange stories, unwind, and prepare for their next lessons.

However, the importance of this space in the teaching environment is often underrated.

While teachers focus on what happens inside the classroom, they don’t always consider what happens outside their teaching spaces.

The staffroom, though often overlooked, is a shared space where teachers and other staff members gather to take breaks, discuss work, and collaborate.

Some staffrooms are less than inviting—perhaps a small, poorly furnished room in the corner of the school; devoid of resources or even chairs.

In such cases, it is difficult to foster a good working relationship with colleagues when the common area is unwelcoming.

However, even in well-equipped staffrooms, things don’t always run smoothly. With teachers constantly coming and going, the space can quickly become chaotic, leading to potential friction.

According to Onestopenglish, a teacher resource site which is part of Macmillan Education, one can create a healthy, happy staffroom by following these five steps:

Step One: Take care of your staffroom

If people spend time there, the staffroom deserves some attention.

Add plants, hang posters, and equip it with essentials like an electric kettle, microwave, and cups for tea breaks.

To avoid conflicts over washing up or using someone else’s mug, establish and post a code of conduct regarding shared resources.

Keep an air freshener handy to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.

Step Two: support each other

Use downtime between classes to support colleagues.

Ask about each other’s classes, share suggestions, and discuss both positive and challenging moments.

Try prompts like: “What was the best moment in your class today?” to encourage discussion and knowledge-sharing.

Step Three: Share and encourage development

Professional development helps combat burnout.

Teachers can hold internal workshops, observe one another’s teaching, and share resources from professional websites.

Posting information about external workshops or teaching techniques can also be beneficial.

Step Four: Do more than just talk about work

Introduce elements that foster camaraderie and humour.

Post funny office cartoons, organize crossword challenges, or start a “Top 10” list for teachers to contribute to, such as “Top 10 Songs” or “Top 10 Lazy Teacher Excuses.”

Lighthearted activities can strengthen workplace relationships.

Step Five: Get out of the staffroom occasionally

Organize group outings or friendly sporting events to build team spirit and boost staff morale.

When teachers say, “It’s a great place to work,” they are often referring to the working environment and staff relations rather than just salary or facilities.

If your staffroom is already a welcoming space, consider these steps to make it even better. If not, it may be time to start implementing some of these ideas!

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