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Nordlinder, C., Bergström, G., Tham, P. & Öberg, P. (2024). Individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions among older long-term care workers: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, 56, 83-93
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions among older long-term care workers: A systematic review
2024 (English)In: Geriatric Nursing, ISSN 0197-4572, E-ISSN 1528-3984, Vol. 56, p. 83-93Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This systematic review synthesized prior quantitative research on individual, family, job, and organizational factors associated with retirement intentions (RI) among older long-term care (LTC) workers. Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies. RI were defined as early (<65 years) or late (>65 years). To assess the methodological quality, we used JBI's checklists. The PRISMA statement guided this review. After duplicates were removed, 4 489 records were identified. A final sample of six articles was selected as eligible for inclusion. Current findings show weak social support, high physical job demands, and type of LTC occupation as important determinants for early RI. Strong social support and good job resources are important determinants fore late RI. In contrast to earlier research on other groups of older workers, this review shows no statistically associations between health nor emotional job demands and early RI for LTC workers. The results are discussed using the JD-R theory.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Older people, Long-term care, Workforce issues, Retirement planning, Systematic review
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43774 (URN)10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.01.005 (DOI)38325072 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85184029819 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-02-08 Created: 2024-02-08 Last updated: 2024-02-19Bibliographically approved
Norrgård, A., Tham, P., Strömberg, A. & Kåreholt, I. (2023). How do child welfare social workers assess the leadership of their first-line managers? A 15-year perspective. British Journal of Social Work
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How do child welfare social workers assess the leadership of their first-line managers? A 15-year perspective
2023 (English)In: British Journal of Social Work, ISSN 0045-3102, E-ISSN 1468-263XArticle in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

The study aimed to investigate how child welfare social workers assessed the leadership of their first-line managers over a period of fifteen years and to examine whether the assessments have changed over time. More specifically, the analysis focused on the extent to which social workers perceive the leadership of their first-line managers to be empowering, supportive and fair. Data were collected in the years 2003 (n = 293), 2014 (n = 300) and 2018 (n = 309) using the same questionnaire, mainly based on QPS Nordic, which was distributed to social workers working with investigations of children and youth. The results show that the social workers assessed all measured aspects of their first-line managers' leadership as better in 2014 compared to 2003 and significantly better in 2018 compared to 2003. In light of previous studies showing that child welfare managers experience less optimal conditions for their leadership, the results are surprising. How is it possible that the first-line managers, despite their own descriptions of a more difficult leadership situation, are seen as more supportive, empowering and fair in their leadership from the social workers' perspective? Possible explanations for the social workers' better assessments over the years, such as specialisation, are discussed.

This article investigates how child welfare social workers have assessed the leadership of their first-line managers over a period of fifteen years. Questionnaires were collected in the same geographical areas in 2003, 2014 and 2018. The results show that child welfare social workers assessed the leadership of their first-line managers as increasingly empowering, supportive and fair over the years. In light of previous studies showing that child welfare managers experience less optimal conditions for their leadership, the results are surprising. How is it possible that the first-line managers, despite their own descriptions of a more difficult leadership situation, are seen as more supportive, empowering and fair in their leadership from the social workers' perspective? Potential explanations as to why assessments have improved are discussed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford Academic, 2023
Keywords
child welfare, first-line manager, follow-up study, leadership, questionnaire, social worker
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43370 (URN)10.1093/bjsw/bcad255 (DOI)001124880400001 ()
Funder
AFA Insurance, 170025
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2024-03-03Bibliographically approved
Tham, P., McFadden, P., Russ, E., Baldschun, A., Blakeman, P. & Griffiths, A. (2023). How do we prepare students for the challenges of social work? Examples from six countries around the world. Social Work Education, 42(4), 494-510
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How do we prepare students for the challenges of social work? Examples from six countries around the world
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2023 (English)In: Social Work Education, ISSN 0261-5479, E-ISSN 1470-1227, Vol. 42, no 4, p. 494-510Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In this paper we provide a descriptive comparison of the similarities and differences between social work education at six different universities situated in Australia, England, Finland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, and the United States. The aim was to begin an international conversation by examining the similarities and differences in these examples, around admissions and recruitment processes, professional training, and field practicum to prepare social work students for practice and to consider any implications that differing models of recruitment and training might have for the students’ preparedness for the challenges of social work. The findings reflect common characteristics relating to the curriculum, such as skills training, reflective practice and application of theory into practice. Differences include a range of approaches to professional regulation, admissions and selection, duration of courses and practicum during training. The complexities of trying to measure similarities and differences across diverse models of education are recognised, including the difficulties stemming from different factors being relevant in diverse geographic regions across diverse contexts. The authors suggest that starting an international discussion allows us to learn from one another and may serve as a catalyst for future progress in this area.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2023
Keywords
Cross-country comparison; newly educated social workers; readiness; social work education; social work students; transition
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-36929 (URN)10.1080/02615479.2021.1976135 (DOI)000696467400001 ()2-s2.0-85115119827 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-08-20 Created: 2021-08-20 Last updated: 2023-05-29Bibliographically approved
Tham, P. (2023). Lower demands but less meaningful work? Changes in work situation and health among social workers in a 15-year perspective. British Journal of Social Work, 53(4), 2038-2056
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Lower demands but less meaningful work? Changes in work situation and health among social workers in a 15-year perspective
2023 (English)In: British Journal of Social Work, ISSN 0045-3102, E-ISSN 1468-263X, Vol. 53, no 4, p. 2038-2056Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The study aimed to investigate how working conditions, intention to leave and self-rated health among Swedish social workers in child welfare have developed over the course of fifteen years. In 2003 (n = 309), 2014 (n = 313) and 2018 (n = 305), the same questionnaire was distributed to social workers who were working with the same tasks in the same geographical areas. The results show that the social workers in 2018 overall rate their working conditions as better than they did in 2014, and in most respects also better than in 2003. The most salient improvements are that work demands in 2018 are described as significantly lower than in earlier years, and organisational climate, group work and support from their superior and co-workers are seen more positively. Despite these positive developments, the changes in how the social workers rate their health and to what extent they intend to leave the workplace were minor. Also, how the social workers rated positive challenges in work and the extent to which they perceived their work as meaningful or felt that their skills and knowledge often were useful in their work had deteriorated. Possible factors as the influence of New Public Management and increased use of manuals and forms are discussed.

This article discusses the slightly confusing results from a follow-up study among social workers in child welfare on how their working conditions have developed over the course of fifteen years. Questionnaires on how the social workers perceive their work and their working conditions were collected in 2003, 2014 and 2018 in the same geographical areas. At the same time as the social workers in 2018 described their working conditions as better than in the earlier years, with lower demands and better organisational conditions, they did not rate their health significantly better, and almost as many of them as earlier still intended to leave the workplace and had thought of changing professions. One of the few aspects of the working conditions which the social workers were less satisfied with compared to earlier was the extent to which they perceived their work as positively challenging and meaningful. Possible factors behind the results are discussed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford Academic, 2023
Keywords
child welfare, intention to leave, professional role, questionnaire, working conditions, work contents
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-39908 (URN)10.1093/bjsw/bcac182 (DOI)000864846000001 ()2-s2.0-85163890743 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AFA Insurance
Available from: 2022-09-09 Created: 2022-09-09 Last updated: 2023-07-17Bibliographically approved
Steive, K., Tham, P., Wiklund, S., Grell, P. & Kåreholt, I. (2023). Social work in an assembly line? The development of specialisation in child welfare and further internal division of work between 2003 and 2018. European Journal of Social Work
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Social work in an assembly line? The development of specialisation in child welfare and further internal division of work between 2003 and 2018
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2023 (English)In: European Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1369-1457, E-ISSN 1468-2664Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Organisational specialisation characterises present social work in Sweden as internationally. Specialisation is often expected to lead to higher professional expertise. This study provides an overview of the development of specialisation and workforce characteristics in child welfare based on survey data collected in 2003, 2014 and 2018. The aim was to describe the development of specialisation and discuss the conditions for professional expertise in child welfare work. The results indicate that child welfare work is increasingly work task specialised. Social workers reported performing fewer tasks in 2014 and 2018 compared to 2003. This could be understood mainly as a form of statutory specialisation, indicating a shift in the professional role. Also, with the tendency to divide the work into only one or two phases of the process, child welfare work today almost resembles work at an assembly line. Compared with 2003, the statutory child welfare social workers surveyed in 2014 and 2018 were also significantly younger and less experienced. Since decision-making in child protection is a highly complex and challenging task, a question is if the development may be a survival strategy of the organisations rather than an opportunity for developing expertise.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2023
Keywords
professional expertise; Specialisation; statutory child welfare
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-43371 (URN)10.1080/13691457.2023.2284669 (DOI)2-s2.0-85179917674 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-12-04 Created: 2023-12-04 Last updated: 2023-12-25Bibliographically approved
Engström, M., Hanberger Jarnheden, S. & Tham, P. (2023). Staff quality of working life and turnover intentions in municipal nursing care and social welfare: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nursing, 22(1), Article ID 171.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Staff quality of working life and turnover intentions in municipal nursing care and social welfare: a cross-sectional study
2023 (English)In: BMC Nursing, ISSN 1472-6955, E-ISSN 1472-6955, Vol. 22, no 1, article id 171Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background

Nurses and social workers are two common professions with a university degree working within municipal nursing care and social welfare. Both groups have high turnover intention rates, and there is a need to better understand their quality of working life and turnover intentions in general and more specifically during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study investigated associations between working life, coping strategies and turnover intentions of staff with a university degree working within municipal care and social welfare during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional design; 207 staff completed questionnaires and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

Turnover intentions were common. For registered nurses 23% thought of leaving the workplace and 14% the profession ‘rather often’ and ‘very often/always’. The corresponding figures for social workers were 22% (workplace) and 22% (profession). Working life variables explained 34–36% of the variance in turnover intentions. Significant variables in the multiple linear regression models were work-related stress, home-work interface and job-career satisfaction (both for the outcome turnover intentions profession and workplace) and Covid-19 exposure/patients (turnover intentions profession). For the chosen coping strategies, ‘exercise’, ‘recreation and relaxation’ and ‘improving skills’, the results (associations with turnover) were non-significant. However, comparing the groups social workers reported that they used ‘recreation and relaxation’ more often than were reported by registered nurses.

Conclusions

More work-related stress, worse home-work interface and less job-career satisfaction together with Covid-19 exposure/patients (Covid-19 only for turnover profession) increase turnover intentions. Recommendations are that managers should strive for better home-work interface and job-career satisfaction, monitor and counteract work-related stress to prevent turnover intentions.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BMC, 2023
Keywords
Home-work interface, Intentions to leave, Job satisfaction, Nursing, Working life, Workload, Work-related stress
National Category
Health Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work, Inkluderande arbetsliv
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-41868 (URN)10.1186/s12912-023-01339-0 (DOI)000992439400002 ()37202759 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85160112520 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-05-25 Created: 2023-05-25 Last updated: 2023-12-06Bibliographically approved
Tham, P. (2022). Not rocket science: Implementing efforts to improve working conditions of social workers. British Journal of Social Work, 52(4), 1896-1915
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Not rocket science: Implementing efforts to improve working conditions of social workers
2022 (English)In: British Journal of Social Work, ISSN 0045-3102, E-ISSN 1468-263X, Vol. 52, no 4, p. 1896-1915Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aim of the study was to investigate if the working conditions of child welfare social workers in one municipality would be improved after the implementation of three initiatives: weekly small group supervision for newly educated social workers, team-strengthening activities and training for the team leaders. Five teams consisting of thirty-six child welfare social workers and five team leaders participated. At project start and after the two project years (2017–2018), the social workers’ perception of their working conditions was measured by a questionnaire (QPS Nordic). After the two years the social workers rated several aspects of their working conditions more positively. They were more satisfied with the organisational climate and leadership and with the collaboration in their work group. Turnover, which had been high for many years, had almost stopped and vacancies were now filled. The social workers were now more often satisfied with the quality of their work. Interestingly, these positive changes had occurred at the same time as the social workers now reported higher demands and more often experienced role conflicts. The overall results of this small-scale study indicate that working conditions of social workers can be improved after the implementation of rather modest means.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford Academic, 2022
Keywords
child welfare, implementation, leadership, supervision, workgroups, working conditions
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35555 (URN)10.1093/bjsw/bcab077 (DOI)000792281700001 ()2-s2.0-85115128534 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-04-07 Created: 2021-04-07 Last updated: 2023-08-10Bibliographically approved
Tham, P. & Lynch, D. (2021). ‘Perhaps I should be working with potted plants or standing in the fish counter instead?’: Newly educated social workers' reflections on their first years in practice. European Journal of Social Work, 24(3), 541-553
Open this publication in new window or tab >>‘Perhaps I should be working with potted plants or standing in the fish counter instead?’: Newly educated social workers' reflections on their first years in practice
2021 (English)In: European Journal of Social Work, ISSN 1369-1457, E-ISSN 1468-2664, Vol. 24, no 3, p. 541-553Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The present research follows twelve Swedish social work graduates over their first years in practice. The overall aim of the study was to gain insight into the journey from their social work education into the profession. This paper presents the findings of the third series of interviews after 20 months in practice and focuses on how the new practitioners reflected on their professional role and the demands of the work. Those working in statutory social services expressed dissatisfaction with the organisational culture and work practices. They cited budget cuts, the climate of managerialism and not enough time for meeting with clients. These practitioners also reflected that their social work education had not prepared them for the complex realities of practice. Changes in the professional role of social workers within the contemporary organisational and broader policy context in Sweden and the importance of supporting the development of professional expertise in the social work journey are discussed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2021
Keywords
Newly educated social workers, professional role, practice, new public management
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-32234 (URN)10.1080/13691457.2020.1760793 (DOI)000539435600001 ()2-s2.0-85085469296 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Forte, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, 2010-1820
Available from: 2020-04-27 Created: 2020-04-27 Last updated: 2023-12-02Bibliographically approved
McFadden, P., Russ, E., Blakeman, P., Kirwin, G., Anand, J., Lähteinen, S., . . . Tham, P. (2020). COVID-19 impact on social work admissions and education in seven international universities. Social Work Education, 39(8), 1154-1163
Open this publication in new window or tab >>COVID-19 impact on social work admissions and education in seven international universities
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2020 (English)In: Social Work Education, ISSN 0261-5479, E-ISSN 1470-1227, Vol. 39, no 8, p. 1154-1163Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Inter-country Social Work admissions and educational comparisons are difficult due to variance in policy and practices between Social Work educational providers, even within the same country. However, this paper aims to provide an examination of different levels of impact that COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ had on ‘admissions to social work’ processes and on education, using examples from universities in Australia, England, Finland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Ireland and Sweden. Already we know that across these examples, admission processes differ significantly. Variances are between selection and entry methodologies with some institutions using academic entry criteria and personal statements and interviews, while others use academic entry criteria and relevant experience or academic entry only. We also know that practicum duration is variable across providers, lasting between 75 and 200 days. Despite all differences, a distinct adjustment to lockdown required a shift to virtual teaching methods for each institution. This paper seeks to explore the range of approaches adopted to lockdown in relation to practice learning placements in each example. We consider the underpinning values and principles that guided responses to these change processes in the various institutions and longer-term implications emerging from the required rapid change processes are discussed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2020
Keywords
Education, professional practice, training
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-34131 (URN)10.1080/02615479.2020.1829582 (DOI)000574670700001 ()2-s2.0-85091825438 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-10-15 Created: 2020-10-15 Last updated: 2021-06-04Bibliographically approved
Tham, P. & Strömberg, A. (2020). The Iron Cage of Leadership: The Role of First-line Managers in Child Welfare. British Journal of Social Work, 50(2), 369-388
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Iron Cage of Leadership: The Role of First-line Managers in Child Welfare
2020 (English)In: British Journal of Social Work, ISSN 0045-3102, E-ISSN 1468-263X, Vol. 50, no 2, p. 369-388Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In the social services in general and particularly in child welfare, high staff turnover and recruitment difficulties have been reported for many years. Previous studies have shown that giving social workers adequate social support is important in getting them to maintain their job commitment and remain at the workplace. The aim of the present study was to investigate how child welfare managers perceive and respond to the content and demands of their professional role. Interviews were conducted with forty-two first-line managers. The results indicate that the expectations of the social workers and the demands of the organisation are in conflict. The overall picture is one of challenges and dilemmas in a changing managerial role, where the focus is increasingly on control, administration and budget responsibilities. While the managers highlight what can be regarded as transformative ideals and prioritise offering support and guidance to the social workers under them, the organisation seems to be pushing managers towards a leadership role characterised by control and authority, where quantitative measuring, monitoring and control processes are expected––a leadership style associated with transactional leadership. The influence of New Public Management on the conditions for, and the contents of, leadership in social services is discussed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford University Press, 2020
Keywords
first-line manager, leadership role, New Public Management, social work organisations, transformational leadership
National Category
Sociology
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-30984 (URN)10.1093/bjsw/bcz156 (DOI)000537436400005 ()2-s2.0-85084432473 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2019-11-18 Created: 2019-11-18 Last updated: 2023-02-17Bibliographically approved
Projects
Socialsekreterares arbetsvillkor - vad bidrar till arbetstillfredsställelse och stabilitet? [130012]; University of Gävle; Publications
Tham, P. (2018). A professional role in transition: Swedish child welfare social workers’ descriptions of their work in 2003 and 2014. British Journal of Social Work, 8(2), 449-467Tham, P. (2018). Where the need is greatest: a comparison of the perceived working conditions of social workers in Swedish metropolitan low-, middle-and high-income areas in 2003 and 2014. Nordic Social Work Research, 8(2), 185-200Tham, P. (2016). Mindre erfaren - mer utsatt?: Nya och mer erfarna socialsekreterares beskrivningar av sina arbetsvillkor. Socionomens forskningssupplement, 40(6), 20-33
Friska arbetsplatser-vilken betydelse har organisatoriska villkor för socialsekreterares hälsa? [170125]; University of GävleDevelop key competences for social workers with help of virtual conversation training and artificial intelligence [2021-04118_Vinnova]; University of Gävle
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-4155-810x

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