‘I Wouldn't Be Here Without Them’: An Explorative Study of Workplace Friendships and Well-Being in Child and Family Social Workers

Abstract

Friendships can offer significant benefits, particularly in the challenging field of statutory social work, which is often characterised by high caseloads, limited resources and frequent exposure to trauma. However, the recent focus on how we can better promote the well-being and job satisfaction of UK social workers, and relatedly, promote a more sustainable workforce, has failed to explore the influence of workplace friendships. This study explored the nature of workplace friendships amongst a cohort of experienced child and family social workers employed within England's children's social care system. Using semi-structured interviews (n = 10) and ecomaps (a visually illustrative tool used by social workers to identify and document relationships), the research identified the role of workplace friendships in offering emotional support, professional learning and encouragement for career progression. It highlights the influence and importance of these relationships in decisions by practitioners to remain in children and families social work and argues that reforms to promote friendships at work could play a positive role in addressing the different measures of workplace instability currently inherent within England's children's social care system.