Resilient individuals and organizations:an integrated approach

This chapter considers the role played by the organization in supporting resilient social work practitioners.The policies, structures and support systems that have the potential to protect wellbeing and practice and build resilience are explored.The need to develop multi-level interventions that comprise national and organizational initiatives as well as seek to enhance the competencies of individual social workers is emphasized.Ways in which these perspectives might work together to promote a culture of personal and organizational wellbeing are discussed. Particular focus is placed on the risk-assessment approach developed by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to monitor the work-related wellbeing of employees.Also considered is how the HSE manager-competency framework can be used to identify the behaviours required by social work managers and leaders to help their employees manage stress and develop an organizational culture that supports individual resilience.