Subjective well-being, social work, and the environment: The impact of the socio-political context of practice on social worker happiness

Abstract

Summary The environmental context of direct social work practice has been found to impact social worker subjective well-being. Most research focus on the geographic and cultural characteristics of that practice environment. To expand this knowledge domain a qualitative inquiry has been undertaken to understand what aspects of the socio-political environment impacted social worker well-being. Findings This qualitative study, with a sample of social workers ( n = 19), found three themes related to the socio-political environment that can contribute to practitioner well-being. Respondents identified that their subjective well-being is impacted by: (1) perceptions of practitioners by community members, (2) conflict with social work program mandates, and (3) changes with the social welfare system. Applications Possible methods of addressing these issues to improve workplace functioning for social workers are discussed along with areas of future research.