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January Currents Issue, 2005
What Social Workers Bring to the Corporate World
Jeffrey Emil Diaz, ACSW, Director of the Employee Development
Center, Weill Medical College at Cornell University
I recently gave a speech, “Cancer and the Workplace”, for
the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the American Cancer Society, where
I offered guidance to employees, co-workers, managers and employers. We
discussed how to ensure a successful “re-entry” to the workplace
benefiting all parties. I instructed managers not to take work away from
a survivor without discussing it, as the result could be a blow to their
self esteem and sense of control.
Many years ago, as the keynote speaker at a power breakfast here in New
York City with leading corporations represented, my job was to answer
the question, “What can social work bring to the corporate world?”
I began simply with, “Good morning… social workers solve problems,”
and let the silence fill the room. Immediately there was the glint of
understanding because business people know about problems and appreciate
those who can solve them.
Work provides income, self esteem, identity, support and even nurturance.
When work is not going well, life is not going well, as we spend the majority
of our waking hours at work. In order to reach people we must go where
they are.
The contemporary notion of “best place to work” and “the
bottom line” are enhanced when social workers are engaged to facilitate
communication and improve the lives of working people. An awareness of
the world of work should not only be a consideration for Employee Assistance
Programs but for all areas of practice.