Study of Teachers' Work-Related Well-Being

NOTE: Version 2 provides the updated numbers for this data set.

The primary aim of this research project is to study teachers’ work-related well-being in Finland, and its relationship with various work-related demands and resources. Study of teachers' work-related well-being in Finland has been conducted from 2020 onwards. An online questionnaire distributed biannually enables a comprehensive examination of teachers’ well-being across different regional and educational contexts. Beginning 2024, the study expands to include longitudinal research.

Since 2020, an online questionnaire has been distributed biannually to OAJ (the Trade Union of Education in Finland) members towards the end of each spring and autumn semester. The respondents include teachers from all across Finland, representing a wide range of educational levels. This broad data collection enables a comprehensive examination of teachers’ well-being across different regional and educational contexts.

Initially, responses were collected anonymously, enabling the tracking of well-being trends over time. Beginning in Spring 2024, the study expanded to include the collection of contact information from consenting participants, setting the stage for future longitudinal research.

Data was collected between 2020–2024 as follows:

Spring 2020: 1 182 participants.

Autumn 2020: 1 502 participants

Spring 2021: 1 336 participants.

Autumn 2021: 1 046 participants.

Spring 2022: 476 participants.

Autumn 2022: 687 participants

Spring 2023: 1 628 participants.

Autumn 2023: 1 396 participants.

Spring 2024: 1 182 participants.

Information about the data set can be found at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/motivation-learning-and-well-being-in-digital-era/study-of-teachers-work-related-well-being 

This research is conducted by the University of Helsinki in collaboration with the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ).

The study is led by Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro ([e-mail]). For inquiries, please contact University Lecturer Lauri Hietajärvi ([e-mail]) or Postdoctoral Researcher Olli-Pekka Heinimäki ([e-mail]).

This research has been funded by the Strategic Research Council as part of the EduRESCUE research project and by the Academy of Finland for the EDUCA research flagship.