A new survey has laid bare the highs and lows of working in social work, social care and children and young people services across Scotland.
The findings come from the Scottish Social Services Council’s first ever Have Your Say Workforce Wellbeing Survey.
It provides a rare snapshot into the experiences of over 176,000 professionals who make up one of Scotland’s most essential workforces.
The results show that most people step into this career to make a difference, with 65% saying that was their main motivation.
Nearly six in ten said they took the job because they believed they’d love or enjoy the work.
Encouragingly, 81% of respondents said they feel valued by the people they support.
Less encouraging was that only 42% felt their work was valued by the wider public.
Satisfaction in current roles is mixed, with 56% saying they are satisfied and 35% dissatisfied.
Pay and conditions remain a sticking point, with many saying their income is simply not enough.
Staff in social care and children and young people roles were most likely to say pay was too low.
Social care staff were least likely to get sick pay, while children and young people staff were least likely to receive the full holiday entitlement.
Social workers in particular reported the most dissatisfaction overall, with 43% unhappy in their current job.
They were also most likely to say they might leave within the next 12 months.
Almost a quarter of the entire workforce surveyed said they are likely to leave the sector within a year.
Half expect to be gone within five years.
Overwork, low pay and difficult working conditions are the top reasons given for planning to leave.
Worryingly, 43% of those planning to leave said they had experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination at work.
Despite this, there is a clear desire among workers to grow in the profession.
A strong 85% said they want to develop their knowledge and skills.
Three quarters reported access to training and learning opportunities, showing some signs of support.
Only 47% would recommend their organisation as a great place to work.
Social care staff emerged as the most content overall, with 59% saying they were satisfied in their role.
The SSSC has said the findings will help shape national policy and guide how they support and develop the workforce.
Chief Executive Maree Allison thanked those who shared their views, saying the insight will be vital in improving the sector.
She acknowledged the deep commitment of those in the workforce and the significant challenges many still face.
The SSSC intends to repeat the survey annually to track progress and drive improvements across the board.
