I know almost nothing about agriculture. But I do know that every now and again crops planted in a field are rotated, swapped with other crops, to prevent the field becoming fallow. As I understand it, too much of the same crop over a long period of time sucks all the nutrients out of the soil.

I mention all of this, because there is a thread on CareSpace in which a user suggests that social workers should have a mandatory two year period every five years where they have to leave the profession, do something else and generally get a chance to recharge their batteries.

This sounds like an excellent idea and could be worthwhile for all manner of stressful jobs. Like a field gets drained of nutrients after years of the same crop, so a person gets drained of enthusiasm and energy after years of doing the same, stressful thing. A couple of years being a plumber, driving instructor or professional snooker player would do the world of good for many a stressed social worker.

Perhaps you agree, or strongly disagree? Then why not take part in the poll below.

(Pic: jayneandd on flickr)

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/2011/05/should-social-workers-be-rotat.html