Preventing professional burnout among social work specialists in deoccupied territorial communities: results of a focus group study

This article presents the results of a study on the factors contributing to professional burnout among social work specialists from governmental and non-governmental organizations operating in de-occupied territorial communities under martial law. Conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, the research involved 45 professionals from social service centers and NGOs in the de-occupied communities of Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. The study identified key contributors to burnout, including emotional exhaustion, a sense of professional inefficacy, organizational instability, excessive workload, lack of social support, secondary traumatization, ethical dilemmas, and professional isolation. The article analyzes the content, forms, and methods of preventing each of these factors. Particular attention is given to the practical outcomes of the focus group analysis, which highlight the effectiveness of a systemic approach to staff support amid a multidimensional crisis. The authors argue for the implementation of an institutional model for burnout prevention as a strategic direction for social services and NGOs working in de-occupied areas and supporting local community development. The experience of social service centers implementing comprehensive preventive interventions in de-occupied territorial communities of Ukraine highlights the positive impact of such initiatives on mitigating emotional burnout, enhancing staff motivation, and fostering professional self-actualization. The study’s findings provide a conceptual basis for the development of institutional burnout prevention programs that are responsive to the current challenges and specific needs of social workers operating in crisis contexts. This research was conducted within the framework of the scientific project “Socialization of Vulnerable Population Groups in the Context of Territorial Community Development in Ukraine”, carried out by the authors at the Department of Social Pedagogy and Social Work of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University.