The thesis analyzes the phenomenon of burnout among social workers. I explored how burnout is defined and manifested in the work environment and its impact on individuals. Special emphasis is placed on identifying the factors contributing to burnout and strategies for managing it. The motivation behind this research is the increasing reports of burnout among social workers at Centers for Social Work, as evidenced by high staff turnover and a shortage of personnel.
Relevant literature and existing research on the topic are reviewed, covering themes such as stress, burnout, burnout in helping professions, self-care, and organizational self-care. The goal of the thesis is to emphasize the importance of raising awareness of this issue and the potential for systemic recognition of burnout as an occupational disease. Collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (MDDSZ) and Centers for Social
Work enables access to the entire population and the possibility of proposing concrete policies and practices, based on the research findings, to reduce workplace stress. This is crucial for positive outcomes for employees, the organization as a whole, and service users at Centers for Social Work.
The research is quantitative and descriptive, consisting of 5 hypotheses. Data was collected via an anonymous survey questionnaire created in the 1ka program, which Dr. Sonja Robnik from the Safety and Health Sector at MDDSZ sent to all directors of Centers for Social Work across Slovenia. The questionnaire contains 29 closed-ended questions and was active from March 11, 2024, to April 23, 2024. A total of 541 units were surveyed, of which 319 were valid. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the 1ka program and Excel.
The key findings of the research are as follows: burnout is a common phenomenon among social workers, with primary risk factors associated with high workloads and a lack of organizational support. Social workers who actively engage in self-care, particularly through physical activity and relaxation techniques, can experience fewer symptoms of burnout.
The research conclusions and recommendations emphasize the need for improved working conditions and greater organizational support to reduce the incidence of burnout.
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