Supporting and Rewarding Social Service Workers: Key Drivers of Motivation and Professional Satisfaction
Supporting and Rewarding Social Service Workers: Key Drivers of Motivation and Professional Satisfaction

Summary/Abstract: This study explores the experiences of social service workers who provide care to individuals living with dementia, focusing on how support and recognition affects their professional motivation, satisfaction, and retention. Previous research has emphasized the high emotional and physical demands in dementia care and the importance of organizational support mechanisms, such as supervision, open communication, and recognition. This study aims to answer the following research question: What forms of support and appreciation do social service workers perceive as most influential in their motivation and long-term commitment to the profession? The hypothesis assumed that both financial and non-financial factors—including interpersonal relationships and workplace environment—significantly impact employee satisfaction and professional identity. A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of ten Czech social service workers (7 women, 3 men) aged 24–55, with two to ten years of experience in dementia care. Thematic analysis revealed that workers most value open communication with management, emotional appreciation from families, material benefits, and a supportive work environment. While participants acknowledged the importance of non-financial recognition, they unanimously highlighted insufficient financial compensation as a major source of dissatisfaction. These findings underscore the necessity of integrated support strategies to sustain a motivated and resilient social services workforce.

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