Reflecting on 2024: Social Workers as Leaders and Strategies for 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible and, at times, exhausting year it has been for social workers. Every year this profession continues to evolve. We’ve been called upon to rise to challenges, navigate ever-changing systems, and advocate for people who need us the most, all while juggling our own well-being.
Social workers are leaders in every sense of the word. Whether we’re managing organizations, group practices, influencing policy or guiding teams on the group, we show up. We adapt. We create meaningful change.
As I reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I want to share some reflections and strategies to help us step into the new year with clarity, focus and purpose.
2024 Reflections: Leadership in Action
1. Advocacy in Complex Times
This year, advocacy felt heavier than usual, didn’t it? Between systemic challenges in housing, mental health and child welfare, we’ve been in the trenches. Social Workers have been fighting battles both big and small, often without the resources or recognition they deserve. What stands out to me is how we kept going. We pushed forward because advocacy is at the heart of what we do. It’s not just a part of our job, it is a part of who we are.
2. Burnout Became Personal
Let’s be honest, burnout hit many of us hard this year. The demands on social workers seem to grow every year, and 2024 was no exception. I felt it, and I know many of you did too. But what I found inspiring was the growing conversations about self-care in leadership. This year, I saw more social workers talking openly about setting boundaries, saying no, and prioritizing their own mental health. It’s a reminder that we can’t lead effectively if we’re running on empty.
3. Stepping into Non-Traditional Roles
One of the most exciting trends of 2024 was seeing more social workers step into non-traditional leadership roles, such as directors, executives or policymakers. Stepping into spaces where our voices are needed the most. Social workers bring something unique to leadership; an ability to see the whole person, the whole system, and the intersection of the two. This shift gives me hope for the future of our profession and the people we serve.
Strategies for 2025: Leading with Purpose
As we move into 2025, the call for social workers to lead is louder than ever. How do we rise to the occasion?
1. Embrace Systems Thinking
The issues we’re facing, such as homelessness, mental health or equity, don’t exist in silos. Social work leaders need to think beyond the immediate crisis and examine how systems intersect. In 2025, commit to looking at the bigger picture, asking the hard questions and collaborating with partners across sectors to create lasting solutions.
2. Prioritize Professional Development
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. For 2025, lean into professional development. Maybe attend a workshop, pursue certifications or build mentorship opportunities, grow as leaders to help us better serve the people and communities who depend on us. Perhaps academia can look at adding leadership classes to their MSW program. Remember, investing in yourself is an investment in the people you serve.
3. Lean on Data to Drive Change
Let’s be honest, stories are powerful, but data and money drives decisions. If we want to influence policies and funders in 2025, we need to back our advocacy with numbers. This means getting comfortable with tracking outcomes, measuring impact and presenting data in a way that makes decision-makers listen.
4. Center Equity in Leadership
Equity isn’t a buzzword. It is the foundation of good leadership. Challenge yourself to look at every decision through the lens of equity. Are we creating spaces where diverse voices are heard? Are we addressing systemic inequalities in our work? These are the questions I want to lead with in 2025.
5. Build Stronger Networks
Social work can feel isolating, especially in leadership. In 2025, focus on building stronger networks with other social workers and leaders. Maybe joining a professional association, attend conferences, or simply making time for conversations with peers, connecting with others in the field reminds us that we’re not a long in this work and we can learn/grow from each other.
As I close out this reflection, I feel a mix of gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the resilience and dedication I’ve seen in social workers in the past year, and hope for what we can achieve together in 2025. This work is not easy, but it is worth it.
If you’re a social worker reading this, I want to leave you with this: you are a leader. Whether you’re advocating for a single client or shaping policy for thousands, your work matters. You have the skills, the vision and the heart to make a difference.
As we step into 2025, let’s commit to leading with empathy, strategy, and intention. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other. And let’s remember that no matter how hard the work gets, we are creating change that matters.
Here’s to a year of growth, impact, and making a difference that truly lasts.