In November 2021, the National Care Awareness Survey was launched by the UK Care Week team, with input from over 400 social care professionals in the UK. The purpose of the survey was to highlight the pressures and concerns in the social care industry by giving care professionals a platform to raise their voices and to raise the profile of social care. The survey identified recruitment, retention, funding, recognition, and wellbeing as the biggest challenges facing the care industry.  

This year marks the second edition of the National Care Awareness Survey Report (2022), completed by 602 social care professionals in the UK. The findings of the 2022 survey convey that the care industry is listening to the key issues at hand. Respondents felt more supported and satisfied with their roles and plan to stay in the sector longer. 

However, questions surrounding employee recognition show that many social care professionals still feel that recognition is a major area of concern. Respondents felt that improvements in training, technology & innovation and media support are crucial to the sector. Moreover, new issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, recent changes in policies and regulations have shaken up the industry. 

Oli Johnson, Co-founder at Sona: "According to our latest research, more than 40% of care employees have left a previous role because they felt unappreciated. So, it's no surprise that recognition is top of mind for sector leaders. Employee recognition programmes are no longer a 'nice-to-have' - they are a must. Embedding appreciation as a regular practice across all levels of your organisation is one of the highest impact, lowest cost retention strategies of all.” 

No matter your role in the care industry, the findings of this survey will not only shine a light on the consensus of the industry in which you work, but also provide you with the tools to better your workplace and ultimately improve the quality of care for the people who need it most. 

View the full report: Click here