Social workers ‘across the world experience chronically difficult working conditions’

The findings are the result of a three-year global comparison of the working conditions of social workers, just published in The British Journal of Social Work.

The paper is the latest output from the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) partnership with Buckinghamshire New University and Ulster University to research global working conditions of social workers.

The research found that ‘social workers support some of the most vulnerable people who are often living in some of the most difficult conditions. However, little research outside of the UK, parts of Europe and North America has looked at working conditions and well-being in the social work profession.’

The survey found that ‘social workers’ wellbeing was relatively poor across the world, although the seriousness of poor well-being and poor working conditions varies globally.’

Working conditions were reported to be worse than up to 75%of those in comparable professions; social workers around the world have some of the worst working conditions and personal wellbeing of any similar profession.

In particular, the demands/workload experienced at work, the amount of autonomy social workers have at work, the understanding of their own role within the organisation, and how change is communicated, all significantly worsened across the period, with respondents’ psychological well-being getting poorer. However, the support received from management at work, as well as relationships with colleagues and peers, all significantly improved’, according to survey respondents.

“Working conditions are important in social work because, while research is still relatively minimal, it is increasingly being shown that poor working conditions and employee well-being have a direct impact on the quality and effectiveness of social work practice”, said lead researcher Professor Jermaine Ravalier.

“The poor reported wellbeing of social workers has global significance because of their crucial role in responding to some of the most difficult social challenges in our world”, said Dr David N Jones, Chair of the study Steering Group.

“This has an impact not only on thousands of individual lives but also on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The fact that some of the people expected to respond to the world’s growing social problems are themselves under such pressure is a warning signal to governments and communities”, Jones concluded.

“This research provides crucial evidence to national social work associations”, said Dr Rory Truell, Secretary General of IFSW.

“National associations and other groups can use this intelligence to gain recognition of the challenges faced by social workers and to negotiate improved working conditions. Improving working conditions and well-being brings improved services and reduces costs.

“It makes sense for everybody and there is no reason it cannot be done immediately.”