Good teacher work-life balance is essential for teacher effectiveness, yet many educators struggle to achieve it. A study by Max Roser of Our World In Data highlights the global scope of this issue, showing that over 80 million teachers worldwide face varying challenges in their profession.

Building on this context, I conducted a survey titled ‘Discover the 3 Biggest Challenges Facing Teachers When It Comes to Work-Life Balance’. Out of 450 teacher respondents, 70% reported significant difficulties in maintaining balance between their professional and personal lives.

Let’s explore the findings, accompanied by visual graphs, and explore how these challenges impact teacher work-life balance.

1 – Time with Loved Ones: The Greatest Challenge

Key Finding: 71% of respondents identified lack of time with loved ones as their biggest work-life balance challenge.

Additional Concerns:

• 56% struggled with keeping marking up to date.
• 50% found extramural activities ate into their personal time.

Teachers juggle numerous responsibilities, from marking assignments to managing extracurriculars. Unfortunately, this often comes at the cost of family time, leaving educators feeling stretched thin and disconnected from their loved ones.

Actionable Insight: Simplify workload wherever possible by focusing on essential tasks. For marking, explore tools and strategies that speed up the process without sacrificing quality.

2 – Problem-solving approaches: what works (and what doesn’t)

Key Finding: 60% of respondents relied on to-do lists or diaries to manage their workload.
Surprising Insight: 25% admitted to using no tools at all, opting instead to “hope for the best.”

While to-do lists and diaries are popular, they often fall short without a structured approach. Many teachers found that these tools didn’t fully address their needs, highlighting a gap in practical, time-saving solutions.

Actionable Insight: Consider digital tools that offer more robust functionality, such as integrating calendars, task prioritisation, and reminders. For example, efficient tools that reduce out-of-hours workload can make a significant difference.

3 – Work-life balance goals: priorities teachers struggle with

Key Finding:

• 70% prioritised spending more time with loved ones.
• 56% aimed to reduce hours spent on schoolwork.
• 52% wanted to keep up with marking and planning.

The overlap in these goals underscores the universal desire among teachers to reclaim personal time and reduce professional stress. However, extramural demands, resource creation, and lesson preparation often derail these aspirations.

Actionable Insight: Prioritise self-care and identify tasks that can be streamlined or delegated. Collaborative planning with colleagues or using pre-made resources can save hours each week.

4 – Teacher satisfaction: a snapshot

Key Finding: 72% of respondents reported being less than happy with their teacher work-life balance.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the widespread dissatisfaction within the teaching profession. Many educators feel undervalued, overworked, and unable to meet both personal and professional expectations.

Actionable Insight: School leaders can play a pivotal role in improving teacher satisfaction. Simple gestures, like regularly checking in with teachers and acknowledging their efforts, can foster a more supportive environment. 

Addressing the Core Challenges

From the survey findings, three key barriers to achieving a successful work-life balance emerged:

1. Lack of time with loved ones.
2. Overwhelming workloads and inadequate organisational tools.
3. Limited access to efficient tools for reducing out-of-hours work.

These challenges demand fresh approaches and practical resources to empower teachers. While many educators use tools like diaries and to-do lists, they often lack integrated systems that effectively manage time and workload. Investing in innovative solutions tailored to teachers’ needs can make a significant difference.

To reclaim teacher work-life balance, educators must prioritise their well-being and focus on streamlining tasks. Tools like digital planners and gratitude journals can help create structure while nurturing a positive mindset. It’s time to empower teachers to thrive both in and out of the classroom.