The Relationship Between Social Work & Human Resources Part I

Social work is the profession of communicating with other people. This might invoke the perception that as strong communicators social workers do not make communication mistakes. I believe this perception is false. Everyone, even social workers, are prone to making communication mistakes. It is through mistakes and experimentation that we as humans have the potential to learn and positively progress. It is how we respond after realizing our mistake that influences how others and ourselves will respond positively or negatively.

Low levels of job satisfaction and high rates of burnout are highly associated with mental health professionals working with challenging client populations. Mental health professionals working in rural areas might face higher risks of low satisfaction and higher burnout rates according to some research. Mental health professionals may be experiencing higher levels of burnout and attribution as a result of high levels of work stress and low availability of resources. Higher burnout rates are also associated with restriction on worker freedom, a deemphasis on planning and efficiency, vague job descriptions, extensive rules and regulations, and minimal support of new ideas and procedures. On the other hand, lower levels of burnout were associated with working environments where employees feel dedicated to their work, positive coworker relationships are encouraged, and supervisory relationships are supportive.

It is crucial for organizations to realize the importance between the work environment and worker’ outcomes. Human Resources departments are often left to address the concerns that arise in the work environment. Human Resources (HR) is a field that has developed to promote strong teamwork between individuals, and maximize these strengths to add value and efficacy to an organization. HR is a vast field. It includes staffing, basic workplace policies, compensation and benefits, retention, training and developing employees, and regulatory issues. It is through this series that I wish to explore the relationship between social work and human resources management in more detail.

Information for this article is cited from the following link:

http://muwww-new.marshall.edu/jrcp/VE%2014%20N%201/JRCP%20Kos%20Ready.pdf

Written by Audrey Haven, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer