The unexpected benefits of working part-time in social work

by Janet Ayoola

Having worked part-time (2.5 days a week) for most of my 14-year career in child protection, I have experienced the numerous benefits this work pattern can offer.

My choice was driven by a desire for a better work-life balance and the need to care for my young family.

A Community Care poll in June 2024 with 588 votes revealed that the majority of practitioners (76%) said part-time work was their ideal working pattern.

However, there is a prevailing perception that part-time working is not conducive to social work. Despite this, I believe that adapting our work patterns to suit our own needs not only benefits us but also the families we support.

I have also found that, with good communication, families’ experiences of working with a part-time practitioner can be quite favourable.

Managing a part-time schedule with families

Being open about my working pattern has made me more relatable, with many families appreciating that I, too, juggle responsibilities outside of work. My transparency has generally been met with positive feedback.

By informing families about my availability, I have been able to prioritise my tasks more effectively, ensuring that I plan ahead and make the most of my working days.

On my days off, cases have been managed through a duty system and clear case recording, which fosters smoother transitions and consistent support for the families. However, I find that, through planning ahead and clear communication, very little work is required in these times.

And while I acknowledge that working part-time may not be financially feasible for many practitioners, I wanted to highlight some unexpected benefits I have discovered.

Protection against burnout

Pictured: Janet Ayoola

Social work is a demanding profession, often leading to high levels of stress and burnout.

Working part-time has afforded me regular respite, which has been crucial in maintaining my mental health and overall wellbeing. On my days off from work, I try to attend the gym and catch up with friends over coffee.

As social workers, we often think about the families we work with, even on days off. That is accentuated by the long hours we work. My reduced hours mean that I regularly practise being fully disconnected from work, from when I log off on Thursday to my return on Tuesday. This allows me to return with renewed energy and focus.

In hindsight, this has not only benefited me personally, but has also ensured I am more present when supporting the families I work with.

The balance of rest and work keeps me motivated, preventing the emotional exhaustion that is all too common in full-time social work. It has kept me in the profession.

Opportunities to volunteer

Having time during the week has allowed me to volunteer in various roles, enabling me to use my social work skills and knowledge in different contexts outside of paid employment.

Volunteering has not only broadened my experience, but also allowed me to contribute to causes that I care about.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I became a safeguarding trustee for a children’s charity that provides mentors to primary school-aged children in London. As a professional, I have seen young people benefit from similar mentoring schemes.

The experience gave me insight into how valuable my safeguarding expertise is outside of statutory social work.

Knowing I am making a difference both within and outside my formal employment has enhanced my sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Currently, I volunteer as an independent member for safeguarding in the audit and risk committee for a national sight loss charity. Both these roles have exposed me to a variety of people and considerably increased my professional network.

Time to invest in professional development

Part-time work has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to invest in my professional development.

While there should be sufficient time in the working week to access learning for CPD, we know that this is not always possible. With the extra time available, I invest in my professional development by attending a webinar or training that I might otherwise have missed out on.

This continuous learning has kept me abreast with the latest developments in social work practice and policy, making me more efficient in my role.

Last year, I completed a training course to become an independent lead reviewer. While this was funded by my employer, there was no extra time offered to attend the training sessions. I would never have completed the course if I did not have the flexibility of part-time work to catch up on the sessions.

Engaging in professional development activities has kept my enthusiasm for the profession alive, preventing the stagnation that can sometimes accompany long-term employment in a demanding field.

Expanding your career

Another unexpected benefit of part-time work is the time it affords to explore new opportunities.

Over the years, I have used my additional time to network, attend career events, and even take on independent social work in different sectors. My volunteering experience has also led to new work opportunities.

As part of my independent work, I now deliver safeguarding training and consultancy services to charities and voluntary organisations.

Whether you are considering a move into a different area of social work, exploring roles in related fields, or even contemplating a complete career change, part-time work provides the space to explore these options before fully committing to a career change.

A holistic approach to work-life balance

While the traditional view within social work may favour full-time roles, it’s essential to recognise that part-time work can offer a viable and beneficial alternative.

By taking a holistic approach to work-life balance, we can ensure that our personal and professional lives complement rather than compete with each other.

In conclusion, part-time social work should not be viewed as a compromise but rather as a strategic choice that can enhance our professional effectiveness and personal satisfaction.

By embracing flexible working patterns, we can create a more supportive and effective profession that ultimately benefits the families and communities we serve.