Quality of working life among social services professionals in Spain. Analysis of the psychosocial factors determining a good working climate

Abstract

This article analyzes the characteristics of psychosocial factors that affect social service professionals in their workplaces. Engagement, passion for work, organizational commitment, structural empowerment and burnout are examined, factors that, according to the literature, are closely related to outcomes for social services professionals. These psychosocial variables and their relationships are analyzed using a sample of 501 Spanish professionals through a quantitative research. Information that addressed the study objectives was collected via a questionnaire that was administered individually, voluntarily and anonymously. The data were analyzed using Stata software and by calculating descriptive statistics and performing bivariate correlations, t-tests for independent samples, and ANOVAS. The obtained data allowed us to establish a psychosocial profile of professionals in which medium-high scores were notable for most of the positive psychosocial variables analyzed. In contrast, lower scores for variables related to negative aspects are observed, such as burnout and obsessive passion, which could indicate an opportunity to develop strategies to enhance these positive aspects. For future research, regression analysis could be considered to calculate the predictive value of some psychosocial variables over others as well as their mediating or moderating roles.