A recent global study reveals a troubling decline in the working conditions and well-being of social workers over the past three years. Conducted across various regions, the research shows significant drops in job satisfaction, autonomy, role clarity, and psychological well-being. These findings highlight the growing pressures on social workers, which not only affect their effectiveness but also impact the communities they serve.
One key finding is the strong link between role clarity and well-being. Social workers perform better when they clearly understand their responsibilities without conflicting expectations. Peer support also helps reduce stress. Despite these positive factors, the study ranks social work conditions among the poorest compared to other professions.
The findings provide valuable evidence for advocating urgent policy and practice changes. By drawing attention to the worsening conditions and their effect on service delivery, social work associations can strengthen discussions with governments and employers. This data also supports lobbying for better funding and resources to address high workloads and insufficient organisational support. Additionally, these insights can guide country-specific research and interventions tailored to local challenges.
The research team plans a follow-up study in the autumn to track longer-term trends and expand cultural and geographic perspectives. Partnering with the European Social Work Research Association’s Workforce Research Special Interest Group (WRSIG) will enhance this phase by integrating ethical considerations. These efforts aim to develop strategies to improve the lives of social workers and ensure their vital role in society is better supported.
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Ravalier, J. M., P. McFadden, D. N. Jones & R. Truell (2024) “A three-year comparison of global social worker working conditions.” British Journal of Social Work https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae159