Work-Family Balance in Social Work: Challenges and Solutions

This study explores the work-family balance challenges experienced by social workers, focusing on irregular working hours, employer flexibility, and the pressure to be available outside of regular work hours. A quantitative survey of 191 social workers was conducted, using a Likert scale to measure perceived work-family conflict and the effectiveness of various coping strategies. The results reveal that irregular working hours and insufficient employer flexibility are significant sources of work-family conflict, with female social workers reporting higher levels of conflict than their male counterparts. Remote work options were identified as the most effective strategy for mitigating these challenges. The study also highlights the role of emotional labor in exacerbating work-family conflict, particularly for women. Practical recommendations for organizations include the implementation of more flexible work policies and greater organizational support. The findings emphasize the need for systemic changes to address the gendered dimensions of work-family conflict in social work. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these interventions and continue examining gender disparities in the profession