​Every school has a staffroom. It's the one place where teachers can finally sit down, grab a cup of tea, and catch their breath before heading back into the whirlwind of lessons, marking and meetings. The atmosphere in the staffroom matters just as much as what's happening in the classroom, as a positive culture can lift spirits, reduce stress, and can make the week feel a bit lighter. So how can we turn the staffroom into our teachers favourite place to be?

Make It Inviting-

Nobody wants to relax in a gloomy, cluttered space. Even a few small changes like some plants around the room, comfy chairs or a bit of colour can transform the mood. Arrange the seating so that everyone can be involved in conversations as opposed to everyone being in their own corners. The staffroom is the most ideal place to build positive relationships between teachers.

Keep It Respectful-

The staffroom should be a safe space, not a place for gossip. Respect and kindness goes a long way - let colleagues vent without judgement, steer clear from negative comments, and speak about people the way you would want them to speak about you. Speaking badly about others can make you seem unapproachable and is not the way to go about forming friendships with your colleagues.

Celebrate Small Wins-

Teaching can be full on, and it can be easy to dwell on what has gone wrong in the day. Flip that around by celebrating the good stuff . Whether its a successful lesson, a difficult class finally listening, or surviving parents evening, let everyone know that they are doing well! A notice board of weekly wins works wonders.

Share and Support-

The best staffrooms are where the teachers collaborate and give each other ideas that they can use in their own classrooms. Maybe by putting a 'teaching tip of the week' on the wall or informal lunchtime chats about what worked well in class can spark fresh ideas and make everyone feel a part of a team.

Look After Each Other-

Little gestures can have a big impact. A cake on a Friday, a shared playlist, or a quiet corner for five minutes of calm can show that wellbeing matters. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about reminding each other that you are all there to lift each other up.

Include Everyone-

From teachers to TAs to office staff, the staffroom should feel like an open space to everyone. Get people involved in suggesting ideas or organising the odd fun event. Inclusion builds community and getting along with your colleagues can make the days feel more exciting and less of a chore.

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Having a welcoming, respectful and supportive staff room gives staff the boost that they need to do the best for their students. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile and a bit of kindness to turn the atmosphere around!💜