Retaining social workers

Scenario

A local council is struggling to retain social workers. Analysis of exit interviews shows high levels of sickness absence and negative impact on mental health and wellbeing due to the emotional pressures of the role.

Action

The principal social worker and workforce lead use NICE's guideline on mental wellbeing at work and the Local Government Association's Social Work Health Check to create a business case. This asks the council to introduce new systems and opportunities for social workers to promote mental wellbeing, reduce sickness absence, and improve retention rates.

Further guidance

The guidance advises organisations to assess and monitor employees' mental wellbeing and consider flexible working opportunities for staff.

Relevant resources

Guidelines

• Mental wellbeing at work guideline

• Workplace health: management practices guideline

• Workplace health: long-term sickness absence and capability to work guideline

Quality standards

• Healthy workplaces: improving employee mental and physical health and wellbeing quality standard