Individual Responsibility and Disconnection: Practitioner Experiences of the First Wave COVID19 Lockdown

ABSTRACT

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia called for a lockdown that impacted the delivery of social work and human services. This study investigated the experiences of 15 social work and human service practitioners in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Telephone and Zoom interviews were conducted with practitioners and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three themes arose: 1) technology problems; 2) flexibility in work roles; 3) supportive and unsupportive organisations. Findings suggested that practitioners faced challenges due to poor technology, reduced role clarity, and in some cases limited organisational support. Findings also provided insight into benefits that included increased flexibility, regular communication from the organisation, and acts of kindness and care from individuals and organisations. A fundamental lesson from this study was the importance for organisations to nurture connections that demonstrated care for employees during times of crisis.

IMPLICATIONS

• Social work and human service practitioners need continued support in accessing and using software and hardware in preparation for crisis.

• While practitioners displayed resilience and flexibility during the COVID19 lockdown, clarity about work roles and responsibilities is necessary.

• Employers play a vital role in maintaining practitioner wellbeing during crisis by showing care and connection between individuals and across the wider organisation.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID19
• Technology
• Individual Responsibility
• Organisational Support

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Justice.