Casebook PBC Blog

Can Technology Overcome Burnout?

Written by Casebook Editorial Team | Jul 12, 2023 11:48:00 AM

As social work cases and demands increase, so does the burnout that comes with the job. Reducing employee burnout within human services programs is crucial for mental health, engagement, and client care. However, every organization is different, so how burnout is addressed will vary by its causes. Most social workers and organizations use technology, including case management software, to limit the factors contributing to burnout. Examples of these factors include: High caseloads Disorganized, fast-paced workflows Complicated cases Clerical tasks Limited resources Incomplete data Lack of control Industry changes Poor communication Lack of reward Legal and safety concerns Limited time for documentation Workplace stress While social worker stress can't be eliminated entirely, there are many steps organizations can take to reduce how much is on their plate at once. Workflow planning, streamlined communication, and automation return a sense of control to social workers, giving them room to breathe without impairing productivity. Return a Sense of Control Beginning your workday not knowing what’s in store can become incredibly stressful, especially if it's an everyday occurrence. Whether because of a disorganized intake process or a micromanaged schedule, not having a sense of control over your job often leads to burnout and poor mental health. To help with this, many social workers and organizations utilize case management software to manage their activity. Ideally, these platforms should synergize the flow of communication and how work is completed between colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Social workers who use case management tools can plan their workdays by reviewing all tasks, information, and case updates in one easy-to-access place. Unfortunately, not all case software platforms include these storage solutions, leaving some social workers flipping between emails and apps. Additionally, because some workdays will be hectic no matter what, cohesive case management software adds more certainty to your workflow. Many delays, such as a colleague falling behind or an unresponsive client, may not be within your control. However, these platforms ensure you always have something to do, letting you hop between cases without completely overwhelming your desk or schedule. This sense of control and balanced workflow