Work-life Balance: An Essential Capability for Social Workers’ Well-being in Free State, South Africa

Abstract

Social workers in South Africa and internationally promote the welfare of individuals, families, groups, and communities by attending to their social issues and needs. The advancement of this goal is intricately connected to professionals’ well-being. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in one of South Africa’s provinces, the Free State, and deploying the capability approach and work-family border theory, this study examines social workers’ conceptualisation of their well-being and the significance of a work-life balance in attaining well-being. It explores the many challenges faced by social workers in sustaining a balance between their personal and professional lives. A purposive sample of 18 participants consisting of eight practising social workers and ten student social workers was selected. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The findings from the study suggest that social workers understand their well-being in quite broad terms. Besides their physical and mental health, they conceive their well-being with regard to the satisfaction that comes with the accomplishment of various professional (work) and private (life) functionings. They, for instance, cherish growing as professionals, being effective helpers, having control and autonomy over their work, being supported by organisational structures, and having ample time for their private lives and families. However, in South Africa, working conditions characterised by a lack of resources, high caseloads, and poor salaries cause work-life imbalance and interfere with the achievement of social workers’ valued life goals and overall well-being.