Running a veterinary practice is challenging, and the dedication of your team – whether vets, vet nurses, receptionists or support professionals – is what keeps it all going. In a demanding profession where long hours and emotional strain are common, ensuring your team feels valued isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for morale, retention and the overall success of your practice.
Here are some meaningful ways to show your team how much you value them.
Recognise and Celebrate Their Hard Work
A simple “thank you” can go a long way, but formal recognition helps reinforce appreciation. Consider:
- Regular shout-outs in team meetings or on a notice board
- Employee of the month awards with small prizes or extra perks
- Personalised thank-you notes recognising specific achievements.
Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition can also boost team spirit, allowing colleagues to appreciate each other’s efforts.
Offer Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in your team’s growth shows you’re committed to their long-term success. Support can include:
- Funding CPD courses and allowing time off for learning
- Offering in-house training on new procedures, technologies and members of the team sharing their knowledge and skills if this is something they are interested in
- Supporting career progression within the practice, this is something that independent practices are very well placed to do.
By providing these opportunities, you demonstrate trust in your team’s potential and foster loyalty.
Prioritise Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
Veterinary professionals often face high levels of stress. A practice that values its team ensures they have the support they need. Consider:
- Fair and flexible rotas, including flexibility where possible
- Mental health resources, such as wellbeing check-ins, mental health first aiders or external programmes
- Encouraging breaks and discouraging a culture of overworking
- Look into accreditations such as Great Workplaces by BVA, a scheme to recognise positive workplace culture and to help create environments where teams feel valued, supported and empowered.
A team that feels cared for will be more engaged and perform better in their roles.
Listen to Feedback
A valued team is one that feels heard. Foster open communication by:
- Holding one-to-one meetings to discuss concerns and aspirations
- Running anonymous surveys to gather honest feedback
- Acting on suggestions where feasible, showing that input is taken seriously.
Creating a culture of trust and open dialogue makes a workplace more positive and productive.
Organise Team-Building and Social Events
A strong team dynamic improves job satisfaction and collaboration. Encourage bonding through:
- Social gatherings, from informal coffee mornings (cake is a bonus here too!) to team outings
- Fun in-practice activities such as themed days or charity fundraisers
- Celebrating birthdays, work anniversaries and special achievements.
This can be especially beneficial when new members of the team are welcomed and if someone has relocated to the area.
Lead by Example
As a team leader, practice owner or manager, your relationship sets the tone. Show appreciation by:
- Being approachable and supportive
- Acknowledging your own mistakes and valuing the inputs of others
- Demonstrating a commitment to the same high standards you expect from the team.
Your team is your practice’s greatest asset. By recognising their contributions, supporting their growth and ensuring their wellbeing, you create an environment where people feel valued and motivated. A practice that invests in its team ultimately benefits from greater job satisfaction, higher retention and better patient care.
