Swedish Preschool Teachers Feel Valued by Parents but Struggle with Work Conditions, OECD Report Reveals

A 2025 OECD report highlights contrasting sentiments among Swedish preschool teachers about their job satisfaction and professional appreciation. According to the report, an overwhelming 98% of preschool staff feel appreciated by children’s parents, reflecting a strong community connection. However, appreciation from employers and politicians is markedly lower, with only 24% of teachers feeling valued—a figure that is the lowest among 17 participating countries.

The OECD's findings are supported by data from the international Talis study, which involved nearly 1,100 Swedish preschool employees. Despite challenging working conditions and ongoing budget cuts, 92% of respondents reported being generally satisfied with their jobs. However, stress remains a significant issue, as 47% of teachers reported high stress levels, which they attribute mainly to large group sizes and having to cover for absent colleagues.

This report marks Sweden’s first participation in the Talis survey, which compares educational staff across countries including Denmark and Finland. The data sheds light on the complex working environment within Swedish preschools, balancing high job satisfaction and strong parental appreciation with stress and a perceived lack of support from political and institutional leaders.

As Sweden continues to grapple with resource constraints in early childhood education, these findings highlight the pressing need to address workplace conditions for preschool educators while valuing their critical role in society.