The Future of Corporate Social Work: Trends and Predictions

The Future of Social Work

With the emergence of new theories, methods and ethical guidelines, the profession of social work continues to experience growth and evolution. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), social work will experience a 12% growth between 2020 and 2030, with an average of 78,300 new jobs per year. More specifically, mental health and substance abuse social work is anticipated to increase by 15%, child, family and school social work by 14%, while healthcare social work is projecting a 13% growth.

Corporate social work is also an emerging area of focus. In short, corporate social work, integrates social work practices into corporate environments by cultivating equilibrium between business objectives and social impact. Predicting specific growth in this area remains challenging, as it is difficult to anticipate corporations' perceived value of social work in a corporate setting. It is anticipated that corporate commitment and prioritization to social responsibility and subsequent social impact actions and initiatives will likely take time to embrace, while market predictions and economics are also contributing factors.

Mental Health

The focus on substance abuse and mental health will remain a primary focus of social work in the future. In corporate settings, companies are recognizing the correlation between wellbeing, productivity, morale and retention, and are shifting to focus on mental health and wellness programs to create a more inclusive and balanced work environment. Practitioners interested in pursuing corporate well being opportunities, should have an understanding of intersectionality, the social determinants of health, and how to engage in preventative measures and interventions in corporate contexts. 

Globalization and International Social Work

For practitioners considering corporate social work in transnational corporations, it is important to develop knowledge of how globalization has significantly impacted the complexity and interconnectivity of issues in social work. We recommend familiarizing yourself with ethical and social standards, as corporations will likely have broader commitments to philanthropy, social responsibility, and ethical sourcing.

Knowledge & Skill Base

As the future of social work continues to evolve, social workers will be required to engage in continued learning and adaptability to further enhance and develop skills and competencies in data analysis, evidence based interventions and technology integration. Acquiring skills that align with corporate social work by specializing in areas such as diversity, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution, or workplace wellness is highly recommended. Expand your knowledge of business ethics, organizational dynamics and corporate social responsibility, and remain updated on business trends, and best practices in both social work and business environments, and market your transferable skills (Communication Skills, Cultural Humility, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence, Advocacy and Persuasion, Collaboration and Teamwork, Adaptability and Resilience, Time Management and Organization, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Ethical Decision-Making) to Showcase Your Value Proposition!

Technology

As the field of social work continues to evolve, the emergence of technology will likely result in an ongoing demand for skilled practitioners who have practical experience applying technical knowledge in the field. During the pandemic, telehealth transformed service delivery, communication and collaboration efforts, resulting in a broader reach, and more flexible and tailored interventions. Technology in the form of digital tools, are useful for data analytics, streamlining workflows, outcome documentation/digital record-keeping and support decision making with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools. While technology has connected people globally, it has also created a digital divide. Social workers should be prepared to accommodate for barriers arising from technology such as cost, digital literacy and skills, internet access connectivity, language and cultural barriers, lack of accessible devices or platforms, health inequities, resistance to change or adoption, privacy and security concerns.

Networking

In the future, networking will continue to grow as a preferable means of advancing your corporate social work career. Network with social work colleagues in different sectors and disciplines, potential employers, mentors and professionals in corporate sectors. Update your LinkedIn profile, showcase your skills and request informational interviews or schedule times for knowledge exchange. Connect with professionals in  social work and corporate sectors who share common interests and values. Attend events, join relevant associations, volunteer, seek mentorship opportunities, and interdisciplinary internships.

Conclusion

While this article is not an exhaustive look at the future of social work, it is designed to provide a broad overview of some of the key future predictions. As you continue on your corporate social work journey, you will likely encounter stricter regulations in relation to technology based privacy and security, changes to state licensing regulations to reflect the diverse needs of social workers practitioners with specialized skill sets and more schools of social work expanding their programs to incorporate the growing interest in corporate social responsibility.