Flexible working: The who, what, whyand when
by Silvia Janská, Founder of Flexee Ltd
Practice management
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?
By Silvia Janská, Founder of Flexee Ltd, BSc(Hons) MSc BVetMed PgCertVBM MRCVS
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.
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.
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.
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/
