The Importance of Human Relationships in a Time of Social Distancing (World Social Work Day 2020)

by Linda May Grobman, MSW, ACSW, LSW

(Update: Since this was written, I have adopted the term physical distancing, which I believe is more accurate and reflects the practice of maintaining human relationships while staying at a safe distance physically.)

     March 17, 2020, is World Social Work Day (WSWD). This year's theme, announced by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is "Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships." This is also one of the six core values of the social work profession, as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.

     At this point in time, most people around the world are practicing "social distancing," in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In our efforts to slow the spread of this virus around the world, we are limiting or curtailing contact with other people. We're avoiding touching things or people, and we're washing our hands more. We may be working from home, or not working at all. We aren't hugging or shaking hands. In recognition of this new circumstance, the IFSW made last-minute revisions to its WSWD logo (shown above), to portray two people bowing in greeting to each other, instead of shaking hands. Social workers adapt to the situation in the moment.

     Social workers are adjusting their practice, too. Many agencies and practices are temporarily discontinuing face-to-face services and moving to remote contact with clients (telehealth, electronic communication), to maintain those human relationships between providers and clients. Social work students and faculty are scrambling as universities move to online course delivery of courses that were supposed to be on campus. At the same time we are attending to our own self-care needs, we as social workers are aware that the pandemic and the necessary actions like social distancing and quarantining will have social, emotional, financial, and social justice repercussions now and for some time to come. We are considering the profession's role in services and advocacy. Social workers are resourceful and committed to providing the support needed, and I have no doubt we will come through in this situation as we have in others.

     In a time such as this, it is especially important to maintain human contact in whatever ways we can safely do so. We know that loneliness and social isolation can have significant social and physical impacts on individuals. Social distancing is a necessary step during this pandemic but may also result in what Ezra Klein calls a "social recession," in a March 12, 2020, Vox.com article. Wendy Sherman, a social worker who is the director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School, wrote, "...social distancing is hard in a time when we need each other so badly," and provided ideas on staying connected. We can distance physically but still stay in "touch."

     We can stay connected by utilizing the social media platforms that we already know - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. We can come face to face with colleagues, friends, and family through such technologies as FaceTime, Facebook Live, and Zoom. Make an intentional effort to schedule time with friends through one of these video conferencing platforms or by telephone or text. Write a letter or send a card! Reach out to neighbors, friends, and family and community members who are in high-risk groups as often as possible. Help them learn to use electronic tools to stay in touch.

     If you are missing some of your regular activities, see if there are online versions. You may be able to find an online book club or hobby-related group, or a virtual Zumba class. For running enthusiasts, there are virtual races. Museums are offering online art viewing and tours. Were you planning on going to a concert next month? Listen to one of the many musicians now going online to offer live-streamed music, and discover some new ones. Many places of worship and organizations are offering live-streamed religious services. If you need a therapist or other support services, you may find a good match or a support group online. If available in your area, order groceries online and have them delivered. 

     Social workers who are already well-versed in using technology in practice and education can (and are already) help others who are being thrown into this world with little preparation. Reach out to colleagues to assist if you can, or to ask for assistance if you need it. The NASW online discussion forum is a resource that is open to all NASW members where members can ask each other for such help with resources and methods for moving forward, as well as support for their own mental health in this time.

     Free webinars are being offered by NASW chapters on using telehealth and the related issues. Check with your chapter to see if they are offering such a webinar. If you miss the live webinar, it may be available for later watching. Social workers on Twitter are sharing resources to help each other in practicing and teaching online. Twitter has a wonderfully supportive community of social workers. One option being offered this week is the #MacroSW Twitter chat on social workers' response to COVID-19. The theme song #MacroSW is using for this chat is "I Will Survive," the 1970s disco hit made famous by Gloria Gaynor. 

     Several social work organizations have provided resource pages on COVID-19. See below.

    To find social work associations around the world, see IFSW's member list.

     Information is changing all the time, and new resources are shared daily. Follow key organizations and individuals on social media to stay up-to-date. Additionally, follow the hashtag #SWCOVID19 on Twitter.

     I am thinking about all of you and wish you all the best in this interesting and challenging time. Don't forget the importance of human relationships. Let's continue to check in with each other. Stay safe. Happy World Social Work Day.

Linda May Grobman, MSW, ACSW, LSW, is the founder, publisher, and editor of The New Social Worker. Follow The New Social Worker on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates.