Whether you’ve just started something new or have been in your social care job for a while now, it’s common for friends and family to ask how your work is going when you catch up. And you probably ask them, too!
But what factors do you look to when answering? Whether you’re enjoying it? Whether you’re having an impact? Whether you get along with your colleagues? Whether you like the hours?
Read on to discover some key metrics that can help you think about how your job’s going – not just so you can give a more rounded answer when asked, but for your own confidence and decision-making!
What feedback have you received in your job?
Your supervisor is the best person to give you feedback on your performance, so schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress.
It’s ok to directly ask for feedback on your work and how you can improve – just as it’s important to directly ask for support when you need it!
Having these conversations isn’t just about getting a sense of how you’re going; it also demonstrates your dedication to doing the job well.
What are your relationships with your colleagues like?
As we all know, many social care jobs rely heavily on teamwork, so getting along with your colleagues is crucial. If that’s the case for you, it’s a good sign that you’re doing well!
A positive work environment can also improve your motivation and job satisfaction. Building solid relationships with your team is essential not just for your work but for your overall wellbeing.
If you’re not feeling very connected with your colleagues, try to initiate conversations during your breaks and ask for advice on how they approach certain client situations. Doing so will hopefully open the door to more open discussions between you and create a sense of camaraderie.
How’s the quality of the care you’re providing in your job?
As social care workers, we directly impact our clients’ quality of life – so take note of any changes or improvements. You play a significant role in helping your clients achieve these goals, so take the wins and celebrate them! These are definitely signs you’re doing well.
It’s also worth recording these somewhere (even just in a document in the same folder as your resume). They’ll come in handy, whether it’s to give yourself a confidence boost if you’re ever feeling run down or to refresh your memory when preparing examples for a future job interview or performance review.
How are you holding up personally as a social carer?
We all know that social care work can be emotionally and physically demanding. It’s essential to take care of your own wellbeing to be able to perform well in your job!
So check in regularly with how you’re feeling both physically and mentally. If you’re taking care of yourself, you’ll not only be in a better position to provide quality care to your clients, but it’s a good sign your job is sustainable for you to maintain.
If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s crucial to catch it early – and make changes as soon as possible to protect not just your own wellbeing, but the quality of care your clients receive, too.
For more information and resources on preventing burnout for social care workers, check out our other posts on the topic.
Be Recruitment is a specialist recruitment partner in the social care space. If you’d like to learn about the current job market and how and where your skills and experience are in greatest demand, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch for a confidential chat today.
