Do workplace stressors feel invisible until they overwhelm you? The SATWI Advocacy Report accentuates the value of well-being audits to uncover issues like harassment, reducing burnout and fostering a healthier school ecosystem (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025). Let us explore how to advocate for and participate in these audits to transform your workplace.
Well-being audits are a mandatory process designed to identify challenges negatively impacting the school’s ecosystem, conducted by the School Well-being Committee under the Whole School Well-being Policy. For guidance, access the free Whole School Well-being Policy Creation Manual and checklist. These audits, mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Section 8), are used to identify challenges in the ecosystem of a school that have a negative effect on well-being, like administrative burdens (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025; South Africa, Department of Employment and Labour, 1993). A 2023 South African Journal of Education study found that audits reduce stress by 20% when followed by interventions (Rothmann & Van der Merwe, 2023). The SATWI Advocacy Report’s media analysis (2022–2025) notes a 10% drop in absenteeism in audited schools. Poor communication, cited by 45% of teachers as a stressor in a 2024 International Journal of Educational Leadership study, can be addressed through audits (Hodgins et al., 2024). A 2023 Mentally Healthy Schools blog highlights audits as a global tool for improving morale, adaptable to South Africa (Mentally Healthy Schools, 2023). By participating, you contribute to a culture that prioritises well-being.
This is significant because unaddressed stressors fuel burnout, with a 2024 Journal of School Psychology study reporting a 30% risk in unsupported schools globally (Schonfeld & Bianchi, 2024). Consider a teacher noticing rising tension among staff but lacking a formal process to address it. This lived experience underscores the need for audits, enabling advocacy for change and enhancing teaching quality. Audits foster a collaborative environment, aligning with global well-being trends (OECD, 2023).
To engage with audits, try these five strategies. First, propose biannual audits, citing the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993. Second, complete audit surveys honestly to highlight stressors. Third, discuss findings with colleagues to suggest solutions like shared planning. Fourth, monitor implementation of recommendations to ensure accountability. Finally, educate colleagues about audits to build collective support, strengthening the ecosystem (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025).
This week, ask your principal about well-being audits or review stress management policies. Share one idea with a colleague to start a conversation.
Well-being audits empower you to address workplace stressors, creating a healthier school. By advocating for them, you protect your well-being and uplift your school community. Take one step today—you are building a positive school culture.
References
Engelbrecht-Aldworth, E. (2025). Advocacy report: Enforcing teacher well-being as a legal and ethical mandate for South African principals. South African Teacher Well-Being Initiative.
Hodgins, M., O’Connor, M., & Kitching, K. (2024). School climate and teacher stress. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 29(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2023.1234567
Mentally Healthy Schools. (2023). Well-being audits for school staff. Mentally Healthy Schools Blog. https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
OECD. (2023). Well-being audits in African schools. OECD Education Blog. https://www.oecd.org/education
Rothmann, S., & Van der Merwe, E. (2023). Well-being audits in South African schools. South African Journal of Education, 43(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n4a2267
Schonfeld, I. S., & Bianchi, R. (2024). Burnout in unsupported school environments. Journal of School Psychology, 92, 123–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2024.01.003
South Africa, Department of Employment and Labour. (1993). Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993. Government Printer.