and The Vets are now one. A new era of pet care begins! 
According to the WHO, burnout is “… a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” No one has ever claimed that a veterinary clinic is a relaxing place, so it’s no surprise that burnout is a significant problem in our field.
But what can we do to reduce this risk – both for ourselves and for our team?
1. Respect limits
One of the characteristics of burnout is “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.” As individuals, we must actively think about the strain that we are placing on our minds and bodies each day. Reflect regularly and plan accordingly to make sure you are not taking on too much – in or out of work.
As a team, we must be aware of the strain that our colleagues are under. Make sure rotas share out the work evenly, and don’t let overtime always fall on the same people. Get in relief workers if needed – it’s worth it to safeguard your regular team.
As a team, we must be aware of the strain that our colleagues are under.
2. Be Open With Struggles
We can all struggle with feeling overwhelmed about the hardships that we see every day as part of our jobs. Struggling in silence might seem easier, but it’s best to open up and discuss these negative feelings – be that with your colleagues, a loved one, or in therapy.
Make sure that your clinic is a place where team members can share these kinds of thoughts, and feel supported in return.
3. Work Hard, Rest Harder
Both our bodies and minds need proper downtime to recover from the strain of work. As individuals, we must set aside dedicated time to allow for this recovery, and keep it sacrosanct. As a team, we must plan for each member to have this downtime, and respect it when they do.
