How can we ensure that teachers can work happily, healthily, and productively in education in the long term, especially now that staff shortages are so acute? This dissertation examines how schools can help teachers feel connected to their school and take control of their work and career. The results show that leadership style is crucial. A ‘servant’ school leader who invests in relationships, supports autonomy, and fosters a sense of community seems to increase engagement and motivate teachers to take a proactive approach to their work. It is striking that both highly satisfied and highly dissatisfied teachers think about their careers, but the latter group does not always seem to take action, possibly due to a lack of resources. Furthermore, an inclusive team, in which teachers feel they belong and are allowed to be unique, seems to be an important stimulus for taking control of their careers. The conclusion is clear: investing in servant leadership, providing the right resources, and creating an inclusive team culture are concrete steps that educational institutions can take to support the sustainable careers of teachers.
Elias Janssen is a lecturer-researcher at the Avans Den Bosch HRM program and the Impactful Value Chains research group. Within the HRM program, he is committed to the integration of education and research and coordinates a module on employee well-being. His research focuses on sustainable employability from a career perspective: what can employees and employers do to ensure that people remain healthy, happy, and productive in their work in the long term? His scientific work has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Vocational Behavior and Public Management Review. Driven by the desire to connect science and practice, Elias translates his research results into concrete tools for HR professionals and managers. His goal is to contribute directly, through education and publications, to a healthier and more productive working environment in the Netherlands, in which talent is utilized sustainably.