Now, these social workers are getting paid to take time off to boost their own well-being.

And the Government is hoping the new paid sabbatical leave scheme for social workers will keep more of them in their jobs.

On Tuesday, the first batch of 10 social workers selected to go on paid sabbatical leave of up to 10 weeks was unveiled. And another seven workers were chosen to undergo a leadership development programme to groom leaders for the social work field.

The move, among others, is to stem the high attrition rate of social workers, which was as high as 17 per cent in 2005. Lousy pay packets and the emotional drain of listening to other people's woes day in and out are all reasons why social workers quit their jobs.

Miss Jessica Chan, 34, a senior social worker at Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre, is using the sabbatical leave to learn more about sand-play therapy in Australia. Such therapy is to help troubled children express themselves.

She said: "Social work is very emotionally intense. It's hard not to be affected by other people's problems."