40% of Social Workers Considering Leaving, High Turnover Rate
A recently published survey indicates that 4 out of 10 social welfare workers are seriously considering changing jobs. This is attributed to chronic issues within the social welfare field, including poor working conditions and low wages. While the demand for social welfare services continues to rise, the shortage of on-site personnel is worsening, leading to growing concerns about the decline in the quality of these vital services.
The high turnover rate among social workers is not just a personal issue; it poses a significant threat to the maintenance of the entire social welfare system. The departure of experienced staff degrades the professionalism of services and ultimately has a negative impact on welfare service users.
Low Wages and Excessive Workload: Key Reasons for Turnover
The primary reasons social workers consider leaving their jobs are low wages and an excessive workload. The significantly lower wage levels compared to general companies exacerbate the economic difficulties faced by social workers, which in turn leads to a decline in job satisfaction. Furthermore, the constant influx of work and the lack of sufficient personnel are pushing social workers to the point of burnout.
One social worker lamented, "I endure it with a sense of duty despite being underpaid, but I am exhausted by the unmanageable workload and am considering leaving."
This situation acts as a deterrent to the inflow of new personnel, creating a vicious cycle that further deepens the staffing shortage in the social welfare field. Improving the treatment of social workers is not merely an individual concern but an essential task for enhancing the overall welfare level of society.
Improving Social Worker Welfare: An Urgent Task
The following policy efforts are needed to improve the welfare of social workers:
- Wage Realization: Realizing social worker wage table and increasing allowances
- Staffing: Strengthening and increasing personnel standards for social welfare facilities and institutions
- Improvement of working environment: Reducing unnecessary administrative tasks and strengthening supervision
- Psychological Support: Providing counseling and healing programs to relieve stress for social workers
Hyunbit Welfare Foundation plans to strengthen cooperation with the government and related organizations and promote various support projects to improve the welfare of social workers. In particular, we will focus on developing and disseminating educational programs to strengthen the capabilities of social workers.
Hyunbit Welfare Foundation Promises to Expand Support for Social Workers
Hyunbit Welfare Foundation will continue to provide unwavering support so that social workers can demonstrate their expertise in a stable environment. We will increase the social worker support budget by 15% by 2026 and actively carry out activities to protect the rights and interests of social workers.
An official from Hyunbit Welfare Foundation stated, "We are grateful for the dedicated efforts of social workers and will do our best to improve their treatment."
Solving the difficulties faced by social workers and creating an environment where they can work with pride is the responsibility of our entire society. Hyunbit Welfare Foundation will continue to grow together as a reliable partner for social workers in the future.
To repay the dedicated efforts of social workers and create a better welfare society, we need everyone's attention and support. Participate in the signature campaign to improve the treatment of social workers right now and spread the word to those around you.
"The happiness of social workers is the happiness of our society." - Hyunbit Welfare Foundation