Abstract
This qualitative study aims to understand the perceptions and experiences of human services professionals working within urban communities with respect to their work experiences, compensation, and work-life balance. Focus groups were used to collect data from direct service staff and executive leadership from diverse agencies. This study examined the words and stories, generating the following overarching themes: (1) dedication to agency model and communities served; (2) compensation and responsibilities; (3) reality of work-life balance; and (4) desire for professional growth and personal growth. The results show that while employees expressed personal fulfillment with their work, the issues of compensation, workload, and professional opportunities were still wanting. Thus, this study seeks to offer direction to human services agency leadership concerning diverse components of the total employment experience through workplace initiatives and fundamental benefit changes.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Henry J.; Heyman, Janna C.; White-Ryan, Linda; and Marlowe, Dana
(2024)
"Employees Speak Up: Engaging Voices from the Human Services Field,"
The Journal of Values-Based Leadership: Vol. 17
:
Iss.
2
, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1517
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol17/iss2/9
Included in
Benefits and Compensation Commons, Health Policy Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Organization Development Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Social Policy Commons, Social Work Commons, Training and Development Commons
