There are many different working relationships in a health & social care setting. these can include:
- The relationship between support workers (co-workers)
- The relationship between managers and subordinates
- The relationships between employees and service users
- The relationships between employees and the family and friends of a service user
- The relationships between employees and other health & social care professionals
Co-workers
Support workers and carers can be friends outside work but when at work their relationship must remain professional. Having a personal and professional relationship has the potential to cause a conflict of interest, which is why many organisations have a policy that restricts employees that are closely related (e.g. family or spouses) from working together.
Manager and subordinates
Managers are required to be leaders, which involves getting the most out of their subordinates, solving problems and going through disciplinary procedures.
Care workers and clients
The relationship between care workers and the individuals that they support should be purely professional. They must work together and collaborate on their personalised care plan and the care worker should always treat the individual with dignity and respect.
Care workers and family/friends of clients
Care workers may also have a working relationship with the friends and relations of the individuals they support.
Care workers and other professionals
There will be occasions when care workers will also have a close relationship with workers from outside agencies. This could include doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, advocates and appointees.