Sixteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

In this paper initial findings from a cross-national study in Greece and the UK will examine resilience as an important concept for social work practitioners. Resilience is a complex and culturally sensitive construct that enables us to cope with stressful life events. In the literature, it is defined as the ability to withstand adversity, recover from disruption and return to previous levels of functioning. Recent research among social workers in the UK suggests that resilience enhances emotional well-being and helps practitioners cope with the constant flow of potentially traumatic events. The current research found that resilience was an important part of human capital that increased the sense of ‘organisational belonging’, in terms of team loyalty, common values, and intellectual bonds. This helped staff work more effectively and feel supported. In Greece, the absence of formal structures meant that staff drew upon personal qualities and used peer supervision to promote resilience. In the UK, resilience was enhanced by formal supervision which helped staff manage high caseloads and the pressure of meeting government targets. Overall, the conflicts experienced by practitioners were found to be similar, albeit arising from different factors, but the human spirit that emerged from both countries emphasised the importance of nurturing the person in order to promote resilience. Consideration will be given to the radical changes that COVID-19 has brought to practitioners’ personal and professional lives. This new era for social work necessitates enhanced levels of resilience, if practitioners are to continue serving the public effectively.