Psycho-Social Working Conditions and Stress in UK Social Workers

Abstract

It is well documented that exposure to chronic negative working conditions leads to stress. This subsequently impacts sickness absence and attrition, making it a key consideration for policy makers and academics alike. This study therefore seeks to investigate the influence of psycho-social working conditions on stress and related outcomes: sickness presenteeism, job satisfaction and turnover intentions in UK social workers. A cross-sectional survey was used, in addition to a single open-ended question designed to further investigate the sources of stress, to collect data from 1,333 registered social workers. Results demonstrate high levels of turnover intentions, presenteeism and low job satisfaction. Regression analyses found that the interaction between high demands, low levels of control and poor managerial support was related to social worker stress and related outcomes. Qualitative content analysis of the open-ended question corroborated and extended these findings, also demonstrating that poor ergonomic set-up of the work environment and a blame culture were adding to the experience of stress. Policy makers need to consider improvements in these working conditions or face losing a large proportion of the social work workforce. Future research needs to be both longitudinal and interventional to focus on these needed improvements.