Assessment of psychosocial risks in the Social Services centers of Malaga City Council.: Quality of working life for professionals

Alejandro Orgambídez Ramos; Francisco Javier Alcalde Hoyos

doi:10.24310/mumaedmumaed.294

Assessment of psychosocial risks in the Social Services centers of Malaga City Council.: Quality of working life for professionals

Authors

Alejandro Orgambídez Ramos (ed)

Universidad de Málaga

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3785-4336

Francisco Javier Alcalde Hoyos (ed)

Universidad de Málaga

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9947-4326

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24310/mumaedmumaed.294

Keywords:

riesgos psicosociales, calidad de vida, servicios sociales, Málaga, istas21

Synopsis

This report, developed by the Chair of Social Inclusion at the University of Málaga in collaboration with the Málaga City Council, aims to conduct a diagnosis of the psychosocial health of professionals working in the Community Social Services Centers (CSSC) of the city. The study is justified by the growing complexity of social demands, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inherently emotional nature of work in these centers, which places workers in a position of special vulnerability to psychosocial risks.

This quantitative research was carried out by administering a questionnaire to 196 professionals from 12 centers, representing a response rate of 79.35%. The sample was mostly composed of women (78.06%) and social workers (44.5%). Two scientifically validated instruments were used for the assessment: the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (ISTAS21-COPSOQ), which measures exposure to psychosocial risk factors, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), to evaluate associated symptoms.

The COPSOQ results reveal a clear situation of psychosocial risk. The most unfavorable factors for health, requiring priority intervention, are work pace (81.97% of professionals in an unfavorable situation), quantitative psychological demands (73.69%), lack of predictability and information (67.9%), and role conflict (54.6%). These data indicate that a large majority of the staff perceive an imbalance between workload and available time, coupled with poor organizational communication and contradictory demands. On the other hand, the best-rated aspects that act as health protectors are meaning of work (64.97% in a favorable situation), security regarding working conditions (61.45%), and the perception of support for work-family balance (60.45%).

Regarding mental health, the DASS-21 data show significant levels of symptomatology. Approximately 30% of respondents present symptoms of depression, while nearly 40% report symptoms of anxiety and stress. Although these figures are lower than those recorded in the First National Study of Social Services, they reveal a relevant level of psychological distress affecting at least one in three professionals.

The report concludes with a discussion section and a series of action proposals structured along two axes. To address psychosocial risks, it recommends periodic risk assessment, the implementation of training plans in team management and communication, and an analysis of human resources to adjust staffing levels to demands. To address emotional symptomatology, it proposes facilitating access to psychological care services and developing training programs in professional self-care and proactive resilience. In short, this study provides an "initial snapshot" of the situation, offering a fundamental empirical basis for designing and implementing preventive measures to improve the quality of working life for these professionals and, consequently, the quality of the public services they provide to citizens.

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