Written by Phil Vidins, Vet Tech at Animal Emergency Service, Underwood
As veterinary professionals, we know what a deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging vocation this is. Many of us enter the field with some awareness of the physical demands, but it’s the emotional toll, coupled with the complexities of the industry, that can significantly impact our wellbeing. Having worked in veterinary settings for over 20 years, I have witnessed many changes over time – one of which is the importance we place on workplace wellbeing. Whilst this topic has gained much-needed attention, there’s still a lot to unpack about what it truly means and how it can be effectively managed to create a more healthy, engaging and safe environment for the veterinary community.
This blog series is dedicated to unpacking the critical aspects of workplace wellbeing in veterinary settings. We will begin by defining what “wellbeing” encompasses and how the work environment plays a pivotal role in shaping it. Understanding the fundamental concept of wellbeing will set the stage for our exploration of the specific challenges faced by veterinary teams.
Our second installment will delve into psychosocial risks in the veterinary workplace—those often-hidden factors that can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and other mental health issues. By understanding these risks, we can begin to address them effectively.
In the third post, we’ll look at what the World Health Organisation recommends and introduce the integrated approach to workplace wellbeing. This holistic strategy combines primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions to remove, manage and limit issues caused by psychosocial risks. This holistic strategy ensures that all aspects of employee wellbeing are considered, from prevention to support for those already affected.
Finally, we’ll draw insights from our counterparts in the human health field and look at how team-based care is improving well-being for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Join us as we explore these essential topics and work together to build a stronger, more sustainable veterinary community.
Through this series, we aim to provide practical insights and strategies that can help veterinary professionals cultivate a healthier, more positive workplace where every team member can thrive. Join us as we explore these essential topics and work together to build a stronger, more sustainable veterinary community.
Exploring Wellbeing in the Veterinary Profession
‘Wellbeing’ has become quite the buzzword in veterinary circles over the past few years, and for good reason. It affects everything from personal happiness to professional satisfaction. To an outsider, the veterinary field might seems to be the ideal, happiest profession one could enter. After all, how mnay children dream of becoming a veterinarian when they grow up?
We know that while there are many positives experienced in our industry, we are challenged with low team member retention, high levels of burnout and mental health issues. Understanding wellbeing is a step towards reshaping our profession so that veterinary professionals can thrive!
Wellbeing can be understood in three central concepts:
- hedonic wellbeing, which relates to pleasure and enjoyment;
- subjective wellbeing, which encompasses individual happiness and life satisfaction; and
- eudaimonic wellbeing, which is about living a life of meaning and purpose.
All three forms play significant roles in the veterinary profession, though each is impacted in unique ways.
1. Hedonic Wellbeing
Hedonic wellbeing (HWB) focuses on the pursuit of pleasure and positive emotions. It is experienced in moments of joy, satisfaction, and contentment. In a veterinary context, hedonic wellbeing can be seen in the delight we feel when interacting with playful puppies and kittens. These moments of affection and playfulness offer an immediate emotional lift, providing a sense of lightness and happiness that helps balance the more challenging aspects of the job.
However, while these experiences are valuable, they are often fleeting, and we are brought back to earth with the emotional and physical demands of the profession.
2. Subjective Wellbeing
Subjective wellbeing (SWB) is the term positive psychology gave to define “happiness”. It is typically measured by levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and the balance of positive and negative emotions. In simpler terms, it is how “good” we feel day-to-day. Positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction contribute to higher levels of subjective wellbeing, while negative emotions like stress, frustration, and sadness can diminish it.
In the veterinary workplace, subjective wellbeing is often tested. The day-to-day experiences of helping animals can bring joy and fulfillment, but they are frequently accompanied by emotional challenges such as dealing with the loss of a patient, managing difficult clients, or navigating long working hours. These stressors can create a mismatch between the desire for positive emotions and the realities of the job, making it harder for veterinary professionals to maintain a high level of subjective wellbeing.
3. Eudaimonic Well Being
Eudaimonic wellbeing (EWB) differs from the previous two by focusing not on happiness or pleasure, but on a deeper sense of purpose, personal growth, and fulfillment. It is often looked at in terms of things that make life worth living, the good life or one’s raison d’etre. It pertains to the pursuit of one’s true potential and the alignment of work and values.
For many veterinary professionals, the drive to improve animal health and welfare aligns closely with their personal values, contributing to a strong sense of eudaimonic wellbeing. These are beliefs that veterinary professionals often hold from an early age and have close ties to their individual identity. Understanding eudaimonic wellbeing helps us recognise how misaligned values, disillusionment with the reality of “the job,” and a lack of agency in making a meaningful impact can profoundly affect one’s mental state.
Balancing the Three in the Veterinary Workplace
A balance between hedonic, subjective, and eudaimonic wellbeing is essential for long-term satisfaction in any profession. For veterinary professionals, this balance can be nurtured by creating an environment where staff are supported emotionally and have opportunities for growth and development. Here are a few practical strategies to nurture this balance in the veterinary workplace:
Work-Life Balance: I like to view this as Work-Life Capacity. Understand that everyone has different capacities, don’t compare yourself to other people, and if you can only manage two shifts per week, there is nothing wrong with this! Set clear boundaries and be available for work, rest, and play!
Joy in Work: Encouraging positive interactions with animals and fostering a supportive team can help maintain hedonic wellbeing. I use a “Joy Journal” and write down three things that brought me joy in the day, three things I am grateful for, my wins and successes. This is a way to watch yourself grow and thrive!
Professional Development: Offering opportunities for learning and career growth enhances eudaimonic wellbeing. A useful tool is ‘Hope Mapping’. It is a great way to measure your professional development. Write down where you want to be, write down the skills you must get there and what you need to acquire your goals. Set aside time every day, week, and month to work on the goals. Before you know it, you will look back and see how far you have come!
Alignment of Values: A workplace that aligns with your values is crucial for sustained eudaimonic wellbeing. Encouraging a workplace culture that aligns with the values of animal care and community support can help professionals feel more connected to the meaning of their work. Write down your values, what is important to you. Hold these close and do not buckle on them. Not every workplace will suit you, that is ok. If you hold onto your values, you will find your tribe, and your purpose in this crazy industry!
Conclusion
Wellbeing in the veterinary profession is complex, involving hedonic wellbeing, rooted in pleasure and positive emotions; subjective wellbeing, grounded in happiness and emotional balance; and eudaimonic wellbeing, focused on living a purposeful life. While the demands of veterinary work can challenge all three forms of wellbeing, creating supportive work environments that allow for emotional recovery, joy, and personal growth can help professionals maintain a healthy balance and find long-term fulfillment in their careers. In our next installment, we will look at psychosocial impacts facing veterinary professionals and the integrated approach to managing these.
