It is the nature and not the amount of work that matters most to teachers, an interim report on teachers' work has found. While many teachers described their workload as heavy, most felt it was manageable as long as the work was related to student learning.

The Committee on Teachers' Work submitted their report to Secretary for Education & Manpower Prof Arthur Li today. Its findings were based on literature review, a research study and discussions with teachers and others in the education sector over the past six months.

"It is gratifying to know that teachers share a high level of personal investment in their work, driven by a strong commitment to the profession," Prof Li said. 

Among its findings, the committee found links between teachers' perceived workload manageability and the quality of school leadership.

More time spent on administrative tasks

Survey results showed that a teacher's annual total working hours have increased only slightly in the past six years and was comparable to those of other professions in Hong Kong. However, there had been a significant increase in the amount of time spent on administrative tasks.

In the study's next stage, the committee will examine whether these administrative tasks could be carried out by non-teaching staff. 

"It does not come as any surprise that the amount of administrative work and the quality of school leadership have a direct bearing on the teachers' workload and perceived manageability," Prof Li said. "The findings are also consistent with the feedback the Education & Manpower Bureau has received through the teachers' helpline set up earlier this year."

Measures aim to relieve pressure

The committee has also identified strategies which schools and teachers have used to relieve pressure. "A positive attitude and mutual support among colleagues are effective coping strategies applicable to all work situations in a rapidly changing environment in the modern world," Prof Li said.

"I look forward to receiving the committee's recommendations on measures to reduce administrative work for teachers, and improve their work satisfaction," he added. The committee will submit its final report before the end of the year.