Understanding veterinary technician burnout, part 2: addressing veterinary technician burnout requires tailored organizational well-being initiatives.

Abstract

Objective: To explore veterinary technicians (VTs) perspectives on contributors to burnout and examine existing and proposed workplace initiatives to support employee well-being.

Methods: An anonymous online survey was completed by 172 international VTs between December 7, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Responses to 6 open-ended questions exploring perceived barriers and contributors to positive workplace well-being, as well as existing and proposed workplace well-being initiatives, were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Understaffing, poor leadership, and poor team communications were perceived as key contributors to poor well-being. Respectful communication, recognition of work, and equitable treatment were perceived to contribute to positive well-being. Under half of respondents (48%) reported no existing wellness initiatives in their workplace. Employee Assistance Programs, reported by 37% of respondents, were the most common initiative.

Conclusions: Veterinary technicians report a range of organizational risk and protective factors contributing to their well-being at work, and the existence of comprehensive tailored well-being initiatives is relatively absent. There is a critical need for organizational evidence-based well-being programs tailored to VTs working in veterinary practice settings. Further research is required to develop and refine these strategies.

Clinical relevance: This study provides information on perceived gaps in workplace well-being initiatives, as well as workplace factors that must be addressed to maximize well-being and more effectively manage burnout in VTs.