Guide provides advice on how to manage work-related stress
A guide to enhancing wellbeing in the veterinary workplace has been published by the RCVS’ Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) in association with the Alliance Manchester Business School.
‘A Guide to Enhancing Wellbeing and Managing Work Stress in the Veterinary Workplace’, was launched at the SPVS/VMG Congress in Newport (25-27 January). It outlines the root cause of work-related stress and describes a range of approaches for managing stress at work.
“Addressing stress in veterinary work not only has benefits for the health and wellbeing of each person in the veterinary team, but the business case for reducing work-related stress is clear; stress is associated with poorer performance, increased absenteeism and higher employee turnover,” said Dr Elinor O’Connor, senior lecturer in occupational psychology at Alliance Manchester Business School.
“The wellbeing guide provides information about proven techniques for reducing stress at work combined with suggestions for how they might be applied in veterinary workplaces.”
Lizzie Lockett, CEO of the RCVS and director of the MMI, added: “Stress at work is an important issue right across the veterinary team. It is sometimes considered just an acceptable part of working in an environment that can be difficult to control, but things can change.
“By making wellbeing a priority practices can support individuals and help their team work better together, and thus provide the best treatment for the animals under their care. This leaflet unpacks some of the root causes of work-related stress and may be of particular interest to practice managers, line managers or health and safety officers.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
