Creating a new normal: an exploration of the protective factors that allow social workers to remain in the profession despite challenges and stress

Most people will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime (Kilian, 2016). The profession of social work is inundated with ongoing exposure to trauma, traumatic stories and disclosures because social workers are called on often to support people experiencing alarming and catastrophic events. Due to the cumulative exposures to traumas or stories of trauma that social workers hear in the workplace, they are at increased risk for lingering negative impacts (Bell, 1995; Courtois, 2002; Stamm, 2002). This study was based on qualitative interviews with five social workers who have been providing direct client service for a minimum of five years. Participants also had not taken stress leave as the intention was to explore some of the protective factors that assist social workers navigating challenges and stressors. The participants used pseudonyms to share their person experiences of resilience, self-care, burnout, values, balance, stigma and shame and the impacts of toxic workplaces. Understanding some of the impacts and the protective factors social workers experience may assist us in the development and implementation best practices for social worker sustainability.