Enhancing the Workplace through Social Work Training Empowers Both Trainees and Superiors

In today's dynamic business landscape, the role of industrial social work is gaining prominence, particularly in supporting young talent such as apprentices. Martin Klein, the inaugural chairman of the Federal Association of Industrial Social Work, emphasises this point, stating that individual support is becoming increasingly vital for companies.

The genesis of industrial social work can be traced back to the early 20th century, when women began entering the workforce in greater numbers. Some of these women were mothers, requiring additional support to balance their professional and personal lives.

One company at the forefront of this movement is EnBW, an energy company based in Karlsruhe. Since this year, EnBW has been offering social-pedagogical support to its apprentices and dual students to help them navigate the challenges of professional life more effectively.

Industrial social work serves as a neutral instance, neither being the employer nor the works council. This neutrality allows for confidential conversations, a crucial aspect of the service. Klein explains that work and school are places where people come together, and issues may not always be apparent. For instance, a colleague's long-term absence could be a sign of a gambling addiction, a situation where industrial social workers can provide valuable assistance.

The term 'social' associated with industrial social work makes it less intimidating, lowering the access threshold. This approachability, coupled with the fact that conversations with industrial social workers are confidential, encourages more employees to seek help when needed. Even the boss can seek help from industrial social workers, underscoring the all-inclusive nature of the service.

The Corona pandemic has further underscored the importance of social support, according to Klein. He notes that young people are entering a more challenging world than before, with crises and new ones emerging everywhere. In such a scenario, the role of industrial social work in offering support for young talent to navigate the world of work becomes even more critical.

Interestingly, the pay for social workers and social workers in companies is often better than with other employers, making it an attractive career choice for many. Industrial social work has been in existence for over 100 years, demonstrating its enduring relevance in the modern workplace.

Some large companies have started offering industrial social work services to help employees handle this change. As the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace becomes increasingly recognised, the role of industrial social work is set to grow even further.