More than a third of Belgian secondary school teachers are at increased risk of burnout, according to a doctoral study by the Free University of Brussels (VUB), The Brussel Times reported on September 3.
This risk is seen to increase as the school year progresses. During the 2019-2020 school year, 25.6% of teachers surveyed in September and October were at increased risk of burnout.
This figure increased to 34.8% in the following months, falling slightly to 31.7% in January and February 2020.
Researcher Yanni Verhawert (VUB) observed a significant decline in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The risk of burnout initially decreased sharply with the onset of the pandemic, but then increased sharply again.
“In the second half of the next academic year (2020-2021), we will see a slightly higher percentage, which could indicate a long-term negative impact of the pandemic,” suggests Verhawert.
Verhawert’s research confirms a causal relationship between physical activity and burnout, “depending on the level of discipline and intensity.”
Moderate-intensity housework and gardening, such as cleaning or mowing the lawn, appear to have a detrimental effect. However, moderate-intensity active travel, such as cycling to work, appears to be beneficial, as does a good sleep schedule.
Verhawert recommends that policy makers and schools encourage teachers to engage in physical activity outside of working hours.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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