Retention of supply teachers is a growing challenge for schools and recruitment agencies alike. Given the flexible nature of supply teaching, many professionals opt to move between roles frequently, often driven by opportunities that offer better working conditions, pay, or benefits.
To retain talented supply teachers, it’s essential to provide them with the support and incentives that encourage loyalty and satisfaction. One powerful way to achieve this is by partnering with an umbrella company that offers a suite of valuable benefits.
We’ve looked into how improving retention rates among supply teachers can be achieved through a strong benefits package, facilitated by umbrella companies. These benefits can help to boost job satisfaction and foster a sense of security and belonging, making teachers more likely to stay with your agency for the long term.
Why retention matters for supply teachers
Retention is a key concern for any recruitment agency or school relying on supply teachers. High turnover rates can lead to gaps in coverage, disrupt learning, and create instability within classrooms. Furthermore, constant recruitment to replace departing teachers requires time and resources, both of which could be better utilised elsewhere.
When supply teachers feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to remain loyal to your agency, helping to reduce turnover and ensure consistent, high-quality teaching across schools. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate this value is by offering comprehensive benefits.
How umbrella companies can support retention
Many supply teachers are paid through umbrella companies, which act as their employer. While the main role of an umbrella company is to manage payroll and ensure tax compliance, they can also offer an array of benefits that significantly enhance the experience of supply teachers. These benefits go beyond just a pay check, providing additional support and perks that can make a substantial difference in a teacher’s professional and personal life.
Here are some of the ways an umbrella company can help improve retention through a well-rounded benefits package:
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Financial wellbeing
Supply teachers often face income variability due to the nature of short-term contracts and seasonal demand. Umbrella companies can offer financial benefits that help smooth out these fluctuations. For instance, some umbrella companies provide access to same-day payments and statutory benefits like sick pay, maternity/paternity pay, and holiday pay. Knowing that they have a financial safety net in place reduces the uncertainty supply teachers often feel, fostering a sense of stability and security.
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Discounts and rewards
Partnering with an umbrella company that offers discounts and rewards can be a major perk for supply teachers. For example, umbrella companies like Fair Pay Services provide access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services, including shopping, travel, dining, and technology. With access to these deals, supply teachers can make significant savings on everyday expenses, improving their overall quality of life. Such rewards can make them feel valued beyond their earnings and help incentivise them to stay with your agency.
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Health and wellbeing support
Teaching can be demanding, both physically and emotionally, making health and wellbeing benefits particularly important. Many umbrella companies offer health and wellbeing programmes, such as discounts on gym memberships, access to virtual GPs, and wellness apps. These benefits allow supply teachers to take care of their mental and physical health, reducing stress and burnout.
In addition to these services, umbrella companies may offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), which provide confidential support and counselling for personal or work-related issues. This level of support is crucial in promoting long-term retention, as supply teachers are more likely to remain loyal to agencies that prioritise their wellbeing.
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Professional development opportunities
Continuous professional development is vital for supply teachers who want to stay updated with the latest teaching methods and curriculum changes. Some umbrella companies offer training and development opportunities or partner with educational organisations to provide discounts on courses, conferences, or workshops. By investing in the professional growth of supply teachers, umbrella companies and agencies alike can foster loyalty, as teachers feel that they are advancing in their careers rather than stagnating in short-term roles.
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Pension contributions
Though often overlooked, pension contributions are a critical aspect of long-term financial planning. Many supply teachers may not consider pension options when working in temporary roles, but umbrella companies can help by automatically enrolling teachers in pension schemes. This demonstrates a commitment to their financial future, making them feel supported and valued beyond the immediate term. The security of knowing they are contributing to their retirement can encourage teachers to remain with the agency.
What benefits are you offering your supply teachers?
Retaining supply teachers in an increasingly competitive marketplace can be challenging, but offering attractive benefits through an umbrella company can make a significant difference. By providing financial stability, access to rewards and discounts, health and wellbeing support, professional development opportunities, and pension contributions, recruitment agencies and schools can demonstrate that they value and care for their teachers.
In turn, supply teachers are more likely to feel engaged, supported, and motivated to continue working with your agency. Partnering with an umbrella company that offers these benefits not only helps improve retention but also enhances the overall work experience, ensuring that your supply teachers are happier, healthier, and more committed to delivering high-quality education.