AKIS Staff Wellbeing Programme: A Movement Transforming Whole School Culture
By Al Khor International School
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In just twelve months, Al Khor International School (AKIS) has transformed a single guiding-statement pillar, ‘Positive Wellbeing’ into a dynamic, research-informed wellbeing culture now embedded across the organisation. What began as a small selection of light-hearted activities has evolved into a whole-school movement engaging academic, administrative, and ancillary staff.
Early in the process, leaders recognised that staff might perceive wellbeing initiatives as ‘one more thing’ added to an already full schedule. To counter this, leaders began by listening. A differentiated workload survey for teachers and learning assistants generated candid insights that informed significant changes. Notably, Professional Learning and Development (PLD) sessions were streamlined, reduced in frequency and delivered in smaller, more relevant groups. This freed time during the school day, enabling wellbeing activities to take place without encroaching on personal or family time.
From this foundation, the Wellbeing Programme took on a momentum of its own.
Participation has been spontaneous rather than obligatory, fuelled by monthly challenges, mindfulness sessions, creative workshops, and social gatherings shaped directly by staff feedback.
Qualitative and quantitative measures guide development, with anonymous surveys, focus groups, and participation data reviewed regularly by a dedicated wellbeing committee and trained wellbeing leads. Staff sentiment has shown measurable improvement, 78% rate the programme as ‘great’, and anecdotal feedback points to strengthened relationships, improved morale, and a calmer learning environment for students.
A key improvement has been the integration of preventative systems that blend dialogue, data, and personalised support. AKIS uses wellbeing coaching, regular leader check-ins, grief support, and counselling alongside leadership training to ensure those supporting others are equally supported. Wellbeing is now a standing item in leadership meetings, induction programmes, and staff briefings, keeping it central to school life.
As the programme continues to evolve, AKIS aims to model positive stress management to support student health and wellbeing. A workforce that feels balanced, valued, and connected has the capacity to create calmer learning environments and nurture the holistic wellbeing of the students they serve.