Digitizing Social Counseling—Insights for Workplace Health Management

Bibliographic Data

ID15464923
AuthorsWiebke Schlenger (0000-0002-0372-8975, University of Lübeck, corresponding author), Marlies Jöllenbeck (0000-0002-3039-7147, University of Lübeck), Tjorven Stamer (0000-0002-9011-3775, University of Lübeck), Angelika Grosse (German Insurance Association), Elke Ochsmann (University of Lübeck)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue2
Pages917-917
Publication date2022-01-14
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19020917
PMID35055750
OpenAlexW4206007495
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited41

Working digitally can lead to changes in work organization and social interactions, as well as work pace and workload. Online counseling is more and more integrated in social counseling. Research exists on employees' and users' attitudes towards online counseling as well as on the advantages and disadvantages of online counseling. There is a lack of studies on the stressors and strains caused by the increasing digitalization and the associated health consequences in this context. With an interview study, we investigated the general work situation of counselors, with a focus on stressors, strain, and resources caused by online counseling. Consecutively, we discuss the results in relation to their impact on workplace health management. Twenty-two explorative interviews with counselors from a German welfare organization were conducted in 2019 and 2020. Qualitative content analysis according to Mayring was used for analysis. Counselors' use of online devices depends on their own digital affinity and is likely to be used when advantages for clients are seen. Difficulties were mentioned in establishing a relationship of trust with the clients. Good teamwork and regular informal exchanges among colleagues contribute to job satisfaction. Overall, we found only few health-related effects. Results of the study suggest that digitization can have positive effects on the job satisfaction of counselors, if the associated changes are supported by organizational measures

Context (archaeology · Job satisfaction · Stressor · Workload · Applied Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technostress in Professional Settings

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Open DOIOpen Access