A new wellbeing index reveals that excessive workloads and work-life imbalance are driving stress and absenteeism among school business leaders, though workplace support is slowly improving

The 2025 School Business Leader (SBL) Wellbeing Index offers critical insights into the ongoing challenges of staff absenteeism in schools, particularly due to mental health concerns. The findings shed light on key stressors and evolving support systems for school business leaders.

Excessive workloads remain the primary concern, with 64% of respondents citing it as the leading factor negatively impacting their mental health, disrupting sleep patterns, and affecting personal and family life. Work-life imbalance further exacerbates their well-being, making it difficult for many to maintain healthy boundaries. Burnout, classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ and a syndrome caused by prolonged workplace stress, continues to be a significant issue.

Despite these challenges, many school business leaders prefer seeking support outside the workplace due to stigma and the perception that asking for help signals weakness. Additional barriers include a lack of time, mental capacity, and uncertainty about where to seek help. However, there has been progress in workplace support, with the perception of adequate support rising from 21% in 2023 to 31% in 2025, indicating a positive shift toward addressing these issues.

Want to Find Out More?

SBLs can attend the Wellbeing in Focus: Supporting the Mental Health of School Business Leaders with Education Mutual seminar at EdExec LIVE Manchester and Northwest on 12th February. Not able to make it to Manchester? Additional EdExec LIVE events will take place nationwide throughout the year. Find out more here: https://www.edexeclive.co.uk/