Emotional Preparedness As a Mechanism to Improve Provider Morale During the Pandemic

Turnover is already a major concern among social workers; however, the recent pandemic has elevated these concerns because of the emotional burden associated with this once in a lifetime disaster that is prolonged and unpredictable. Thoughts of leaving the field may reduce their life satisfaction and sense of purpose, thereby reducing morale and leading to deteriorations in the provider's physical and/or mental health, and ultimately job turnover. There is currently a gap in the field of how social workers can be emotionally prepared during the pandemic. Through qualitative analytic coding and constant comparative methods of three case studies that reflect common situations encountered by social workers during the pandemic, the purpose of this article is to delineate 11 guidelines of being emotionally prepared from the cases that may be helpful in improving provider morale. In particular, the guidelines pertain to issues of liability, altering practice approaches, use of personal protective equipment, provider help-seeking, and racial, cultural or socioeconomic factors. Social workers, besides helping their clients, also support their health-care peers in disaster work. Because of this role, which takes on additional significance during periods of crisis, social workers need these guidelines to improve their morale and combat stress.