How COVID-19 pandemic-related work and organizational changes affected social workers’ turnover intention: The mediating role of job satisfaction and burnout

Summary The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing turnover intention, with particular focus on the adverse changes in social care organizations caused by COVID-19, as well as job satisfaction and burnout. A multistage stratified sampling method and a cross-sectional design were used with a random sample ( N = 664). Data were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews. The relationships between key variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling. Findings The current study revealed that the uncertainty and unpredictability experienced by social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with negative changes in working conditions, significantly reduced their job satisfaction and led to higher levels of burnout, ultimately increasing their intention to leave their workplace. The results obtained from the structural equation model showed that COVID-related negative changes directly affected social workers’ turnover intention Additionally, these changes had an indirect effect through several mediating factors, including increased job demands, emotional exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction, which in turn contributed to a higher likelihood of turnover intention. Application The findings could provide valuable guidance for social care organizations in developing more targeted measures to retain their workforce. It is particularly important to prepare social workers—both during their university and postgraduate studies—for interventions during crisis or emergency restrictions and for managing the challenges that arise in such situations. Furthermore, to improve retention, targeted measures should be implemented to enhance job satisfaction, with a special focus on improving their financial situation and working conditions.