ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to investigate the experience of work-related stress among socialworkers in financial assistance, how stress affects their well-being and how they handle stressat work. The study was based on a qualitative research method and semi-structuredinterviews were conducted with five social workers working within the same area in themiddle of Sweden. For this study, two theories have been applied, which are KASAM andCoping theory. The results of this study indicate that a large amount of work tasks, a highnumber of cases and a shortage of staff are contributing factors to the experience of stresswithin the organization. Furthermore, the study shows that help and support fromcolleagues and team leaders is seen as a strong resource that reduces the negative impact ofwork-related stress. According to the results of the study, stress can be managed by the socialworker receiving support in the form of extra staff in the event of unplanned absence,planning working days in advance, prioritizing work tasks, and having the opportunity torelax during calmer periods. Furthermore, the results show that taking several shorterbreaks, walking during the break and ending the working day earlier are seen as good stressmanagement strategies. After-work activities such as exercising, relaxing, reading a book,and watching movies were also considered important strategies for coping with work-relatedstress.
Keywords: Social workers, work-related stress, coping strategies, mental and physical well-being.