Is It Because We're Teachers?
Photo by Mediamodifier on Unsplash
“Look at this video,” my coworker showed me an Instagram post.
A group of women were walking into a spa and enjoying manis, pedis, and massages throughout the reel. “POV”, it read, “your team celebrates with a team-building trip to the spa”.
My coworker looked at me for a response. “This is what we need,” she said with a smile.
I laughed. Then I thought about it. She was right.
I thought about friends who worked for pharmaceutical companies; they took trips to resort locations and celebrated yearly with their companies. And I thought about some of my accountant friends who have “experiential” days after tax season to reward employees and celebrate the end of a stressful season.
Why couldn’t our team have a day together like this? Why couldn’t we take a day from our hectic work pace to play, relax, and connect?
Is it because we’re teachers?
I wondered–what if we viewed the teaching profession differently? What if we rewarded teachers for their work and commitment? What if experiences like this were standard for teaching? What if experiences like these were expected?
Look, I know that not all professions have company rewards, bonuses, or team days at the spa. I understand it’s not the norm. But, teaching isn’t a normal profession, either. As a matter of fact, we have a national teacher shortage because it’s not a normal profession.
So, what if unusual benefits were offered for teachers?
Let’s look at the benefits a spa (or golf) day, let’s call them “experiential days”, might offer schools–
Stress Reduction & Well-Being
Teachers have one of the most stressful jobs around. Research shows teachers make 1500 decisions in a work day, or four decisions every minute. Some research suggests teachers have around 250 exchanges with students each hour.
A break from this intensity would reduce burnout and potentially increase job satisfaction. In addition, activities like spa treatments promote relaxation, while golf and outdoor activities improve mental clarity.
Team Building & Collaboration
Because their day is so “scheduled”, teachers have little time to connect with their coworkers. Much of their conversation is with students. Offering extended periods of time that teachers, as adults, can connect would create stronger bonds among colleagues.
Incorporating activities like golf or group spa retreats encourage communication and camaraderie in a relaxed setting, outside the normal confines of the school walls. Conversations outside of normal work settings can provide space for innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
Increased Motivation & Morale
It’s no secret that teacher morale has plummeted in the past decade. Not only are teachers leaving the profession, but young graduates are not selecting the profession as a viable career. Rewarding employees with these experiences shows appreciation, leading to increased motivation and loyalty. It can also boost morale and create a positive workplace culture.
Strengthening Workplace Culture
Along with low morale, many teachers complain of the culture in schools. Many school leaders have been at a loss for solutions to improve culture. However, companies that invest in employee well-being and recognition foster a supportive and engaged culture. When activities and additional rewards are put into place, employees feel valued, which improves retention and workplace satisfaction.
Informal settings like these provide opportunities for employees to connect outside of their usual work roles. Leaders and team members can interact in a more relaxed, personal way, strengthening relationships. If your school culture includes a bi-annual golf or hiking retreat, you might expect that networking and collaboration are encouraged. You may feel more like you are part of a team, rather than isolated in your classroom.
If we want to tackle the challenges involved in the teacher shortage, we have to admit aspects of the profession need to change. Unique and different benefits may be necessary to attract candidates into classrooms.
Honestly, what’s wrong with bringing some joy and rewards into the profession?
If you want the real, raw story of teaching during the pandemic—you’ll find it in my books. And if you’re ready to stop waiting for change and start creating it, From the Ground Up: 10 Steps to Designing Innovative Programs is your blueprint. Dive in. The future of education won’t build itself.