The Integrated Approach to Improve Team Wellbeing

Written by Phil Vidins, Vet Tech at Animal Emergency Service, Underwood

At Animal Emergency Australia, we believe that supporting the wellbeing of our team members is critical to providing the best care for our patients. In our recent blog series, we’ve explored the importance of wellbeing and how addressing psychosocial risks can enhance the overall work environment. Now, we turn our attention to actionable strategies to improve team wellbeing. This post introduces an integrated approach to wellbeing—one that goes beyond individual self-care and tackles stress at its root. By combining primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions, we can create a comprehensive framework that not only supports our team’s mental and emotional health but also fosters long-term resilience. As we continue our focus on mental health and wellbeing, this approach underscores our commitment to creating a supportive and sustainable workplace for everyone at AEA.

The Integrated Approach to Improve Team Wellbeing 

So far, we have looked at wellbeing, and psychosocial risks and we will now look at strategies to improve overall worker wellbeing. This can be accomplished through the adoption of an integrated approach to workplace interventions. Currently in the “vetosphere” much attention has been given to secondary and tertiary interventions. These are known as “individual interventions” as they focus on what an individual must do to achieve wellbeing. They are generally centered on self-care, engaging in an employee assistance program or mental health first aid.

Research has found limited evidence to suggest that these make much of a difference as they do not address the root cause of the issues. The World Health Organisation workplace guidelines recommend that to foster a healthy work environment, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to wellbeing—one that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions. This integrated strategy addresses the root causes of stress, provides coping mechanisms, and supports those who may already be struggling. 

1. Primary Interventions: Preventing Stress at the Source 

• Goal: Eliminate or reduce stressors before they cause harm. 
• Examples: 
• • Job design and Ergonomics: Is the work designed in a manner that does not expose workers to harm or cause harm. If so, how is this managed? Does it allow workers to exhibit autonomy, competence and relatedness. Work should be designed in a manner that has the workers best interests in mind- NOT the shareholder!  
  • Workload Management: Implementing fair and manageable schedules to prevent overwork. This is not a one size fits all approach. Different workers have different capacities, when addressing this we need to consider age, experience, stage in life and culture of the individual. 
  • Clear Communication: Ensuring that roles, expectations, and goals are clearly defined to avoid confusion and reduce pressure. Communication is also vital in disseminating information that impacts workers and changes in the business. The method of delivery and accessibility of this information should also match the needs of workers. 
  • Fostering a Positive Work Culture: Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and recognition can help prevent stress by making team members feel valued and supported. Understanding that workers are humans first and workers second is vital.  

2. Secondary Interventions: Equipping Team Members with Coping Mechanisms 

• Goal: Provide tools and resources to help team members manage stress effectively. 
• Examples: 
• • Acknowledge the work: Acknowledge that the work performed by your teams is challenging, stressful and also rewarding. By understanding and acknowledging this, your workforce can be more engaged and feel that you are on the same page. 
  • Training and Education: Offering workshops on emotional intelligence, stress management, mindfulness, and resilience can empower team members to handle challenges more effectively. 
  • Peer Support Programs: Establishing a system where team members can support each other during difficult times can create a safety net within the workplace. 
  • Access to Wellness Resources: Providing access to discounts for healthy food on and off shifts, gym memberships and actively encouraging wellness in your teams. Time off for volunteering, group bushwalking, kayaking or other nature based activities. Having an Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health first aid are also popular secondary interventions and may help. 

3. Tertiary Interventions: Supporting Recovery and Rehabilitation 

• Goal: Assist those who are already experiencing significant stress or burnout. 
• Examples: 
  • Counseling Services: Offering access to professional counseling or therapy for team members who need help managing their mental health. 
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Providing options such as part-time work, leave of absence, or adjusted duties to allow individuals to recover without added pressure. 
  • Reintegration Programs: Developing programs to support team members returning to work after a period of leave, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported during their transition. 

The Power of an Integrated Approach 

Using all three levels of intervention—primary, secondary, and tertiary—creates a robust framework for improving wellbeing. Here’s how an integrated approach benefits veterinary teams: 

• Comprehensive Support: By addressing stress at its source, providing coping strategies, and offering recovery support, the integrated approach ensures that all aspects of wellbeing are covered. 
• Proactive and Reactive Measures: This approach is both preventive and responsive, helping to stop issues before they arise and effectively managing them when they do. 
• Long-Term Wellbeing: An integrated strategy promotes sustainable wellbeing by continuously adapting to the needs of the team and offering ongoing support. 

Implementing an Integrated Approach in Your Practice 

This is not a top down approach! Team collaboration is required to identify the most pressing issues, develop strategies and management plans within the practice. The more team collaboration involved in this process, the more successful it will be. Understand that this is an ongoing process that requires monitoring and adjustment. You may only need some of the interventions seasonally, if you have a predictable busy period that puts strain on team members. 

1. Evaluate Current Practices: Start by assessing your current strategies for managing wellbeing. Identify gaps and areas for improvement across primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions.  
2. Develop a Comprehensive Wellbeing Plan: Create a wellbeing plan that includes initiatives at all three levels of intervention. Ensure that these initiatives are aligned with the specific needs and challenges of your team.  
3. Engage and Educate Your Team: Communicate the importance of this integrated approach to your team. Offer training sessions and encourage open discussions about stress management and mental health. 
4. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of your wellbeing interventions. Gather feedback from your team and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the approach remains effective. 

Conclusion

In our fast-paced veterinary environment, the wellbeing of our team is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to the care we provide to our patients and clients. An integrated approach to wellbeing, combining primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions, is key to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered. By addressing the root causes of stress, equipping our team with coping mechanisms, and providing recovery support when needed, we create a culture that prioritises both mental and emotional health. This holistic approach not only enhances individual wellbeing but also contributes to a more resilient, engaged, and effective team. At Animal Emergency Australia, we’re committed to fostering this culture of care. By continuously evaluating and adapting our wellbeing initiatives, we ensure that our teams thrive, even in the most challenging times. Let’s continue to work together to build a stronger, healthier workplace where every team member feels supported—and, in turn, we can provide the best possible care for the animals and communities we serve.