Flexibility is not something traditionally associated with a career in veterinary medicine. For the most part, the days are a very standard pattern of 0830-1900 (give or take a few hours!), and have been this way for decades. Times are changing, however, and increasing numbers of Vets and RVNs are seeking more flexibility in their working week.
Why is this? Of course, childcare/care duties are a significant factor for a lot of people, but there are other reasons too. In fact, data recently published in ‘Flexible working: Embracing flexibility in the veterinary profession’ states that the most common reason for wanting to work more flexibly was ‘to allow more time for leisure activities’ (56%). Other reasons include: health reasons, voluntary work and professional development.
‘Flexible working’ is a broad term, and can look different for many people across different roles. For some, it may simply mean working part time; for others, it may mean working from home or in a hybrid arrangement; or alternatively it might mean being able to work ‘flexitime’ where the employee has control over when they complete their set hours. Although at first glance, many of these arrangements may not look feasible for a veterinary practice, the Covid-19 pandemic did see many of these flexible work styles being implemented out of necessity, and to good effect. This has proved that it is possible to incorporate these new ways of working, and that in many cases staff preferred the new pattern.
Allowing vets and RVNs to enjoy a better work life balance and take better control over aspects of their life including childcare, professional development and voluntary work, has the benefit of promoting better mental and physical health. Further to this, it also encourages greater diversity/inclusion in the profession, opening the door to people who would otherwise not consider a career in the veterinary industry. An additional benefit of flexible working is that happier vets and RVNs are more likely to stay in their chosen roles, thus reducing the cost associated with high staff turnover and recruitment. It is for these reasons, among others, that the BVA have added ‘Workload and Flexibility’ as one of their 7 pillars of the BVA good veterinary workplaces policy (BVA, 2020).
In a time of such crisis in veterinary recruitment, offering flexible working should be a priority of practices everywhere. We cannot afford to keep losing excellent vets and RVNs from the profession, simply because we cannot accommodate flexible working patterns. As with many aspects of this wonderful industry, we need to step outside of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory in order to move forwards. Veterinary medicine needs to keep up with the changing world.
As a recruitment agency specialising in clinical and non-clinical veterinary roles, we at Elite would strongly encourage you to reach out to us if you are seeking a role with flexibility. We work with some wonderful practices who are prepared to offer this, so please let us help. Too many Vets and RVNs don’t enquire about flexible working because they don’t think it is an option or don’t want to be perceived as ‘asking too much’ of an employer- please hear us when we say that if you don’t ask, you don’t get! We are experienced in negotiating with practices to forge you a role that works with you and your lifestyle.
Go on, give us a call on 01823 429566 or email us at jointheelite@elitestaffingsolutions.co.uk !
