By ellie
As a worker in Community Social Services, you likely know more about resilience than most people. Your daily work has taught you what it means to navigate complex situations, manage competing demands, and maintain your compassion in challenging circumstances. Even with this expertise, you might find yourself frustrated with traditional resilience advice that doesn’t quite … Continued
By ellie
Imagine a moment when you felt truly understood—when someone listened, not just to your words, but to the emotions behind them. That connection is at the heart of emotional intelligence (EI), a skill that shapes the way we navigate our relationships, our careers, and even our own inner world. What is Emotional Intelligence? At its … Continued
By andrewwalsh
According to a study by the Federation of Community Social Services, 70% of direct care workers expressed that stress was the biggest factor that impacted them in the workplace4. This raises and important question, how can we better support our team members who face the emotional and mental toll of working with vulnerable populations? As … Continued
By andrewwalsh
In community social services, boundaries serve as essential safeguards for both clients and staff, ensuring equitable, and effective relationships. While individual staff members must maintain their own boundaries, employers and managers play a crucial role in creating an environment that supports and reinforces these practices. Why Boundaries Are Important When boundaries become blurred, organizations often … Continued
By andrewwalsh
As community social service workers, we enter this field driven by compassion and a genuine desire to help others. However, our ability to provide effective, sustainable support depends on establishing and maintaining clear boundaries. This guide explores the essential aspects of healthy boundaries and provides practical strategies for implementing them in your daily practice. Understanding … Continued
By andrewwalsh
Social service work is deeply rewarding, but it also comes with inherent risks, as workers often become emotionally and mentally invested due to the nature of the work. Recognizing the psychological demands and expectations that accompany this work is crucial for addressing psychological hazards, safeguarding worker wellness, and preparing them for the emotional challenges they … Continued
By andrewwalsh
In the fast-paced world of tourism and hospitality, creating exceptional guest experiences is our bread and butter. But behind every great service interaction and seamless operation lies a complex web of human experiences that managers must navigate with care and understanding. Our industry presents unique challenges – from irregular schedules and high-stress periods to constant … Continued
By andrewwalsh
Working in hospitality means being part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment where we interact with countless people every day. While this makes our work exciting, it also means we’re regularly connecting with colleagues who may be carrying invisible burdens. Understanding trauma and how to support each other can make our workplace stronger and more supportive … Continued
By ellie
Eating disorders among people who work in restaurants are far from rare. They’re just not always seen. In the hectic world of the hospitality industry, a silent mental illness often goes unnoticed: eating disorders among restaurant workers. A 2020 survey revealed that 90 percent of the Not 9 to 5 community faced mental health or … Continued
By andrewwalsh
Front-line workers in community social services dedicate themselves to supporting others, often facing emotionally intense situations. While deeply meaningful, this work can sometimes lead to vicarious trauma, an emotional toll that arises from witnessing the trauma of those you serve, listening to traumatic experiences, and empathetically engaging with individuals experiencing trauma. Understanding vicarious trauma, recognizing … Continued
