By Silvia Janská, Founder of Flexee Ltd, BSc(Hons) MSc BVetMed PgCertVBM MRCVS
Across many industries, working patterns are evolving to meet the needs of both employees and employers. But what exactly is flexible working, and why is it so crucial to the veterinary industry?
The who and what
Flexible working means something different to all of us. Whether it is to enable participation in hobbies, other activities or family responsibilities, our time is precious and it is vital that we can meet those needs.
What’s more, recent updates to UK law have made it easier for employees to request flexible working. As of April 2024, all employees have the right to make a statutory request for flexible working from their first day on the job. This means they can ask to change their working hours, pattern, location – or a combination of these elements.
Despite the common belief that it is mostly millennials who want to work flexibly, our Flexee Report 2020, which surveyed over 500 veterinarians, vet nurses, and other employees revealed that it is the over-40s, and not millennials, who are working more flexibly in their veterinary careers.
Why flexible working matters
The significance of flexible working cannot be overstated, particularly in the veterinary profession. Statistics from the BVA, Hagan et al and the SPVS reveal some stark realities – 41.2% of veterinary professionals experience burnout and stress due to poor work-life balance and 44% of vets and vet nurses want to leave the profession.
In a field where 52.3% of practices report being short-staffed, it’s evident that flexible working is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity for sustaining the workforce.
The benefits of flexible working
According to our Flexee Report, the primary benefit of flexible working is attracting and retaining staff. Other notable advantages include improved well-being, greater commitment to the practice, stronger team dynamics, and an enriched workplace culture.
By building a workplace that embraces flexibility, veterinary practices can ensure a healthier, more sustainable work environment that benefits both employees and clients.
Find out more…
To discover more about how flexible working can address the issues of burnout and stress, while also enhancing staff retention and job satisfaction, watch our comprehensive video. Additionally, we are joined by two guests: Sarah Armstrong, Veterinary Surgeon turned independent HR and Change Consultant, who explains the April 2024 updates on the legal requirements for flexible working; and Pete Orpin, Veterinary Surgeon and Chair of the Board SPVS, who offers practical strategies for businesses to foster flexibility, retain staff, and motivate teams.
How do successful veterinary practices offer flexible working? Learn more about implementing flexible working at myflexee.com/
More about the author:
Silvia Janská, founder of Flexee Ltd.
Dr. Silvia Janská BSc(Hons) MSc BVetMed PgCertVBM MRCVS, is a high-energy individual passionate about supporting the veterinary profession and the animal health industry. After a decade of working as an equine veterinarian and an independent consultant, Silvia now works as the Zoetis Lead for Strategic Alliances and Business Development. She is also the Founder of Flexee Ltd., supporting veterinary teams to improve clinics’ flexible working arrangements to aid retain and attract staff. Silvia’s combination of expertise in fundamental science, veterinary medicine and business development is supported by her qualifications from London’s Veterinary College, Liverpool University and Cornell University.
The article was originally posted in The Cube magazine, October 2024 issue. Click here to read the magazine.
