Understanding veterinary technician burnout, part 1: burnout profiles reveal high workload and lack of support are among major workplace contributors to burnout.

Abstract

Objective: To identify burnout profiles and levels of burnout among veterinary technicians (VTs) and explore workplace contributors to burnout after accounting for nonworkplace stress.

Methods: An international convenience sample of 187 participants, recruited between December 7, 2023, and January 31, 2024, completed an anonymous online survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Brief Daily Stressors Screening Tool, and Areas of Worklife Survey. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regressions.

Results: Two-thirds (66%) met the criteria for burnout in at least 1 of the 3 burnout dimensions. Common burnout profiles among respondents were Engaged (34%), Ineffective (28%), and Overwhelmed (23%), indicating high workloads and lack of support. Of the 6 Areas of Worklife, the Workload domain was most strongly related to burnout. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that, after controlling for nonworkplace stress, the Workload and Values domains, as well as nonworkplace stress, predicted Emotional Exhaustion. High reward predicted Personal Accomplishment, while low reward and nonwork stress predicted Depersonalization.

Conclusions: Veterinary technicians met the criteria for high levels of burnout, demonstrating a critical need for intervention. High workload and lack of support were key contributors to burnout; therefore, strategies such as streamlining workload and increased utilization of skills and knowledge may reduce burnout risk and improve the health and retention of VTs.

Clinical relevance: This study identifies the need for organizations to address key areas of workplace stress to reduce existing high levels of burnout in VTs.