Work satisfaction and mental pressure of social workers and workers in social services

Working in the social sphere is a profession that involves intensive social interaction with clients. The aim of this paper is to describe work satisfaction in the research group of social workers and workers in social services from the South Bohemian region (N = 227). This is established by the means of a standardized Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS, Spector) and an evaluation of pressure of work by means of a Meister questionnaire. The research aim is also to test the relationships of dependent variables within the job positions and the scope of employment in this group of employees. The results show the research group is ambivalent from the aspect of work satisfaction, which means they are medium satisfied (56.1% of the research group). Total dissatisfaction has been identified in less than 5% of employees and satisfaction has been identified distinctly less than in the whole of the Czech population. The employees especially showed their satisfaction in the area of relationships at the workplace, communication and the scope of employment. Dissatisfaction was shown in possibilities for career development, evaluation of their work, and administrative stress. Less than 5% of the respondents mentioned high work stress, but despite this the group evaluated their working conditions rather negatively. The total pressure of work of most respondents conforms to the category 2, whereas temporary affection of subjective state and productivity can regularly occur. 17.4% of the research group reach the levels that increase the limit of mental pressure of work. A statistically significantly higher rate of pressure of work in the social workers compared to the workers in social services has also been proved. Generally satisfaction has been influenced by the trend of understanding social work as an obligation and support from the working collective, while negatives are connected with pay grades and work benefits.