Quality of Working Life among Social Services Professionals in Spain: Analysis of the Psychosocial Factors Determining a Good Working Climate

Abstract

This article analyzes the characteristics of psychosocial factors that affect social service professionals in their workplaces. Engagement, passion for work, organizational commitment, structural empowerment and burnout are examined, factors that, according to the literature, are closely related to outcomes for social services professionals. These psychosocial variables and their relationships are analyzed using a sample of 501 Spanish professionals through a quantitative research. Information that addressed the study objectives was collected via a questionnaire that was administered individually, voluntarily, and anonymously. The data were analyzed using Stata software and by calculating descriptive statistics and performing bivariate correlations, t-tests for independent samples, and ANOVAS. The obtained data allowed us to establish a psychosocial profile of professionals in which medium–high scores were notable for most of the positive psychosocial variables analyzed. In contrast, lower scores for variables related to negative aspects are observed, such as burnout and obsessive passion, which could indicate an opportunity to develop strategies to enhance these positive aspects. For future research, regression analysis could be considered to calculate the predictive value of some psychosocial variables over others as well as their mediating or moderating roles.

Keywords:

• Spain
• social services
• psychosocial aspects
• occupational health

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to all of the social service professionals who participated in this study. Their contribution to the research advances the theoretical search for ways to provide higher quality services, which is a real sign of commitment to the people, groups, and communities they serve.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflicts of interest were reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 In Spain, social workers are considered the professionals of reference in the context of the interdisciplinary work developed by a team of social services professionals (Law 9/2016, of 27 December, of Social Services of Andalusia. Official State Bulletin (OSB) n. 18, of January 21, 2017).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport of the Government of Spain under Grant FPU16/02982.