An economically sustainable programme for real-time tracking and predicting resilience, resistance, and burnout among frontline social care and community organisation workers

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on social workers, social care staff, and community and voluntary sector workers across the UK. These workers play a vital role in supporting people and communities, often working in very challenging circumstances and going well beyond their formal job roles. For example, library staff increasingly support people with issues such as mental health, housing, and employment, alongside their traditional services.

Even before the pandemic, many frontline workers were already under significant pressure. The continued need to manage crises alongside everyday services has made it harder for individuals to remain resilient and for organisations to operate sustainably. Social care staff report some of the highest levels of work-related stress in the UK, and evidence shows that wellbeing and work-related quality of life declined sharply during the pandemic. Existing approaches to reducing burnout have often been short-term and have not led to lasting change.