Supporting staff is a concern for many nurseries right now. Rising workloads, funding pressures and recruitment challenges are making it harder to hold onto experienced colleagues, and it’s understandable if this feels worrying at times.
While pay will always matter, many nurseries are finding that creating a supportive, rewarding working environment can make just as much difference. Reassuringly, this doesn’t have to mean expensive or complicated schemes. Small, thoughtful changes can still go a long way, like flexible working, wellbeing support and employee benefits. These changes can help colleagues feel valued, supported and more likely to stay for the long term. This is especially true for new staff, particularly those who are Gen Z, as they often expect benefits packages and flexible working arrangements.
For nurseries, the wellbeing support that works best is usually simple and practical, rather than expensive or over‑engineered – and shaped around the day‑to‑day demands of the role.
Here are some types of wellbeing support that can make the biggest difference:
Practical mental health support: Just knowing confidential help is available can be comforting. This might include an employee assistance programme (EAP), counselling services or mental health helplines.
Flexible and supportive working practices: Where possible, flexibility around shifts, rotas or time off for personal needs can be hugely beneficial. Feeling trusted and understood often matters to staff just as much as formal benefits.
Financial wellbeing support: Cost‑of‑living pressures are a reality for many nursery colleagues. Support such as salary sacrifice schemes, access to financial advice, or benefits that help with everyday expenses can ease worries and improve overall wellbeing.
Health‑focused benefits: Benefits that support healthy habits tend to be well received. This could include access to GP services, wellbeing apps, discounted gym memberships or health cash plans that support routine healthcare costs.
A positive workplace culture: Wellbeing isn’t just about benefits. Nurseries that foster open communication, recognise hard work and encourage colleagues to look out for one another all help to create a more settled, positive working environment. Simple check‑ins and appreciation can be very reassuring.
Training and development: Supporting personal growth can improve wellbeing too. Opportunities for training, qualifications or career progression can help colleagues to feel valued and invested in their future.
Clear boundaries and realistic expectations: Making sure that staff take breaks, have protected time off and aren’t expected to be constantly available helps to prevent burnout.
So, in short, the most effective wellbeing support is balanced and people‑focused - it combines mental, physical and financial support with a culture that genuinely values colleagues and understands the pressures they face. When colleagues feel supported as individuals, they’re far more likely to stay, grow and thrive within the setting.
