What makes vets feel good at work?
Receiving a simple thank you, spending time with peers and further developing their expertise, are all factors that make veterinarians feel good at work, according to a new study by researchers at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide.
In the听, researchers investigated the positive side of veterinary work and specifically what brings vets pleasure in their job.
Lead author Madeleine Clise, a psychologist and Adjunct Lecturer at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide鈥檚 School of Psychology says: 鈥淎t a time in 最新糖心Vlog when there are national shortages of vets, particularly in regional areas, and increased publicity about the risks and challenges in the profession, it鈥檚 important to focus on what can be done to retain those in the profession and attract more people to the field.
鈥淭he results highlight that there is an abundance of factors related to pleasure at work for veterinarians, above and beyond working with and helping animals. In fact, positive relationships between clients and vets, and vets and their colleagues, was a more frequent response than positive relationships with animals."Lead author Madeleine Clise
鈥淏y focusing on what contributes to vets experiencing positive emotions, we can better understand how to improve wellbeing of those who care for our beloved pets, livestock and wildlife.鈥
In a questionnaire completed by 273 最新糖心Vlogn veterinarians, participants were asked to provide up to 10 responses to the prompt, 鈥業 derive pleasure from my work as a veterinarian when鈥︹. Over 2500 responses were grouped into themes and sub-themes and categorised using the 鈥楯ob Demands-Resources Model鈥, which focuses on both the positive and negative aspects of a job that are indicative of employee wellbeing.
鈥淭he results highlight that there is an abundance of factors related to pleasure at work for veterinarians, above and beyond working with and helping animals,鈥 Ms Clise said.
鈥淚n fact, positive relationships between clients and vets, and vets and their colleagues, was a more frequent response than positive relationships with animals.
鈥淰ets, just like all of us, feel good when they are shown trust and respect. And a simple 鈥榯hank you鈥 goes a long way.鈥
Other findings from the study suggest that having opportunities to use and develop their specialised skillsets is highly pleasurable for veterinarians in practice. A positive workplace culture, successful outcomes with patients and opportunities to collaborate with other vets were also highlighted.
Senior author听, Associate Professor at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide鈥檚听, says: 鈥淢anagers and practice managers can use the results to enhance the work environment for employees.
鈥淭his could include introducing an informal and formal recognition system and increasing time spent with colleagues.
鈥淔urther beneficial changes could include the introduction of a peer supervision or mentoring program to support veterinary expertise and increase connectedness across the profession.鈥
The results also showed experiencing certain positive beliefs about oneself, such as flexibility, having a positive attitude and accomplishment are associated with pleasure at work.
鈥淪o further developing personal resources, for example in the university curriculum or as ongoing professional development, could increase the overall wellbeing of veterinarians,鈥 said Dr McArthur.
The researchers hope the results will spark discussion and further focus on the positive aspects of veterinary work, which they say are often overshadowed by the negative.
鈥淰eterinarian work is such a rewarding profession and it鈥檚 important that we share the many positives with new veterinarians and those in training as reassurance, and to encourage others to join the profession,鈥 said Dr McArthur.