A Women’s Experience in Social Care
According to our exclusive survey: Yes, she can: Women in Social Care a whopping 67.3% of women have been working in social care for 10+ years. This figure, alone, indicates that women are committed to this field, and their experience and knowledge are invaluable.
Sharing the Love
With 67.3% of women in the survey dedicating over a decade to the industry, it begs the question – what drives them to continue to choose social care every single day?
- 45% of women said they find caring for their residents the most rewarding part of the job.
- 35% of women enjoy the feeling that they’re improving their residents’ lives and making change happen.
- 15% of women loved seeing their staff flourish.
From Compassion to Challenges
Whilst 55.4% shared that they do not experience any challenges, the survey unfortunately revealed that 44.6% of women have encountered or witnessed challenges and/or discrimination at work. 36% experienced bullying, discrimination and/or racism, 11% expressed concerns regarding recruitment and staffing, and 3.3% are experiencing burnout. These statistics are alarming and suggest that there is still much work to be done to ensure that social care is a safe and supportive environment for all workers.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Due to the challenges faced by women in social care, the survey confirmed a desire for networking and support. A huge 55.9% of women believe there is value in joining an online women’s social care community. This finding emphasizes the enduring importance of building connections and fostering a community of support for women in this field.
The ‘Why’
The experiences of women in social care matter. Women make up the majority of the workforce, and their contributions are essential to keep the social care engine running. However, the survey results suggest that there are still significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure that women can work safely, without fear of discrimination or burnout.
At QCS, we stand in solidarity with women. Through tailored resources and support, we want to continue to empower all social care providers to deliver excellence.
Our CEO, Nikki Walker, says: ‘We can do this by actively advocating for their recognition, promoting their stories, and working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Together, we can ensure that the incredible work of these women is not only seen and appreciated, but also empowered to reach its full potential and make an even greater impact on the lives of those they serve.’
We believe we can do more to support and build the profile of the amazing women in social care and we will be sharing our plan of action very soon.
Conclusion
The experiences of women in social care are complex, with many peaks and troughs. While the survey results are concerning, they also highlight the unrelenting resilience, commitment, and joy of women in the sector. We must continue to work together to address the challenges faced by women in social care and create a supportive and inclusive environment that values all workers.
Useful resources
5 steps to zero discrimination: https://www.qcs.co.uk/5-steps-to-zero-discrimination/
Why developing the next generation of leaders is vital to our sector: https://www.qcs.co.uk/why-developing-the-next-generation-of-leaders-is-vital-to-our-sector/
Employee Assistance Programmes for your workplace: https://www.qcs.co.uk/employee-assistance-programmes-for-your-workplace/
Managing a multi-generational workforce: https://www.qcs.co.uk/managing-a-multi-generational-workforce/
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