Socialsekreterares värdering av olika arbetsmiljöfaktorers betydelse för en god arbetsmiljö
Social workerWork environment factorsHealthWell-beingSocialsekreterareArbetsmiljöfaktorerHälsaVälbefinnande
Lately, alarming reports have appeared regarding the work environment and work situation of social workers. Research focusing on the promotion of health and well-being in the workplace among other professionals show that factors such as social relationships, ability to influence their work situation and leadership are important. A quantitative study was conducted focusing on the work climate for social workers employed by some of the district administrations in the City of Malmö. A questionnaire with questions and statements on various factors in the work environment was sent to 34 social workers. They were asked how important these factors were for their well-being, as well as to what extent they felt that these factors were present at work. A total of 17 social workers filled out the questionnaire. The study results showed that communication and leadership were the two themes that had the greatest impact on the well-being at work for the social workers. The results also showed a discrepancy regarding the relationship between how the importance of the statements in the questionnaire was considered, and the degree to which they were present at work. However, the results could not demonstrate any difference between how younger and older social workers assessed the importance of the work environment factors' importance for their well-being at work. Further studies with different approaches of how communication and leadership affects social workers well-being at work could help identifying appropriate actions for improved working conditions for social workers.