There's a saying that's often bandied about: ‘Choose a job you love and you'll never work another day in your life’. It's a good saying, because we should all work in something we care about, but in today's world it's a little simplistic. After all, work is about much more than the job we do. Compassion fatigue and burnout are sadly words that are often associated with those in the veterinary professions. Compassion fatigue is recognised as a negative consequence of working in a caregiving profession, such as the veterinary profession, where patients may have experienced trauma and suffering, eliciting a high degree of empathy. Where such experiences are continuous and prolonged, emotional exhaustion and burnout can ensue. If this is not balanced by compassion satisfaction, such emotional stress can take its toll. It doesn't matter how much you love your job, if the environment isn't supportive, then each day can become an impossible chore that can affect every aspect of life.
The environment in which we work is important. We all need to feel that we are supported, valued and appreciated, that we are accepted for who we are without judgement, and that we are allowed to do the best job we can. Feeling valued and admired by our work colleagues can give us the boost we need to get through difficult times. The BVA recently launched their ‘Good veterinary workplace’ initiative, calling on practices to commit to its ‘Good veterinary workplaces voluntary code’ (https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/good-veterinary-workplaces/). They recognise that the environment in which we work affects our day-to-day experiences, and by improving these experiences we can bring benefits to both us as individuals and the organisations for which we work. The code sets out clear criteria for what makes a good workplace, based on the BVA's new evidence-based workplace policy.
The BVA has recognised that the veterinary workforce face numerous challenges, which include: health and wellbeing; diversity, equality and fair treatment; workload and flexibility; reward and recognition; personal and career development; and workplace culture. Overcoming these challenges will help to build a happier workforce, which in turn will be more resilient and will help with staff retention.
The code is accompanied by a workbook which each practice can download and work through together to decide what they need to change within their practice in order to meet a range of criteria. Teams will be asked to assess what they already do well and determine any HR and management processes that need to be put in place to achieve a positive workplace culture. Every workplace could benefit from such an examination whatever the type of industry, and involving staff is the perfect way to find out what that workplace means to individuals irrespective of their gender or culture. Everyone's input is important whatever their role.
Of course every workplace is different, and workplaces do not necessarily need to fulfil every recommendation to be considered ‘good’. However, all good workplaces should fulfil a number of core values. For example, does your workplace develop, establish and track good physical and mental wellbeing and is it supportive of the needs of all team members? Does it provide fair and equal pay and benefits for all team members, relevant to their respective roles? Is it fair and equitable for all members of the team, with no tolerance of prejudice, discrimination, bullying or harassment?
Does your workplace acknowledge the importance of a positive working culture? Why not download the code and workbook and commit to having a good workplace for all.