In this week’s Slice of Life we talk to Erin Hallett, Head of Alumni Relations at Imperial College Business School, about the pressures facing higher education professionals since the start of the pandemic.

More than half of teachers say their mental health has declined during the pandemic; what could have been done differently to support the mental wellbeing of educators?

I don’t know the mental health statistics on higher education faculty and professional staff. However, generally – and what I have heard anecdotally and from managing a team – people have struggled in different ways, and mental health has been brought to the forefront. Everything from our sleep and our working styles, to our living situations, remote learning and relationships, have affected people’s mental health.

Imperial College Business School was proactive from the start of the pandemic in offering support to staff, and both normalising and role modelling behaviours like regular exercise, taking a lunch breaks, and attending online socials, etc. We also have access to various resources through Imperial College London, such as confidential care and mental health first aiders.

I think the pandemic has taught organisations the value of having strong mental health and wellbeing resources in place before a crisis, like the pandemic, happens. Prioritising mental health and wellbeing, as well as embedding them into an organisation’s culture, is critical to the health and success of its employees.

Research from Education Support suggests that those working in education have seen their mental health suffer far more than in other professions; why do you think this is?

From my own observations and conversations with colleagues, everyone working in education wants to provide the best experience for our students, our alumni and other external stakeholders. This comes with a certain amount of pressure and expectations.

This has been especially true during the pandemic, with the need to recognise and respect that everyone is experiencing challenges and complex emotions.

What are some of the greatest challenges impacting the mental wellbeing of educators today, as we begin to emerge from the lockdown?

I think in higher education, we all want to return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible. And this covers everything from working together as teams, hosting events, international travel, and the variety of in-person experiences that enrich higher education. Personally, I have not met with an alumnus face-to-face in over a year, nor have I seen my team!

Health and safety measures, expectation management, and communication are all challenges. I also think from a professional staff standpoint, it’s about how we navigate the new ‘normal’: commuting, remote working and work-life balance.

Imperial College Business School has done an excellent job of communicating with staff and students throughout the pandemic, and used diverse channels for maximum reach. I think as long as they, and other organisations, prioritise clear communication the challenges will be easier to overcome.

What advice would you offer to those in the education sector, who may be struggling to manage their mental wellbeing?

I think the most important thing is to speak up and ask for help. Whether it’s through support like Mental Health First Aiders or with a trusted manager or colleague. I always say to my team that I can’t help them if they aren’t honest with me.

I appreciate that at some organisations it is difficult to find role models or advocates in this space, but most universities have a staff mental health and wellbeing website with signposting and resources.

Managers and leaders need to do a better job at both checking in with their teams and asking questions beyond ‘how are you’; this includes role modelling healthy behaviours. For example, I ask my team questions like, ‘What do you need to be happy and successful at work?’ or ‘How are you sleeping?’ to understand more of their whole situations. My team also knows I do a daily yoga class at lunch, and I hope that normalises taking time to do positive things for yourself.

Mental wellbeing is challenging because it’s different for everyone, and constantly changes. Advocating for yourself, knowing what works for you, and communicating your boundaries and needs are all important things you can do – but they take practice, and often courage. It has taken me a long time, especially in my professional life, to speak out.

Finally, learn to treat yourself with the same compassion and kindness you treat your loved ones with. During the pandemic, it’s been hard to stay positive and away from negativity. I try to remember that most people are doing their best and acting from a place of kindness. Try to think of your colleagues first as people, not as employees.

You might also like The Form Guide podcast with Faye McGuiness, Director of Programmes at Education Support, where we discuss the mental health of educators.