Imagine that each morning, when you arrive at work, you are nervous about whether the front desk staff will be arguing about how to divide their tasks that day. Or if each time you walk into the practice you hear the technician laugh after telling yet another story about the incompetence of the team member who has the day off.<\/p>\n
If either of these scenarios makes you cringe as a manager, just imagine how other members of your team feel. As a manager, it\u2019s up to you to help create a healthy work environment where people feel safe and valued.<\/p>\n
Although each person\u2019s daily routine varies, veterinary professionals often spend about one-third of each week in the workplace. When it\u2019s a healthy, well-balanced environment, it can contribute to an employee\u2019s overall quality of life. But when it\u2019s not, it can contribute significantly to a person\u2019s stress, and have a negative impact on the workplace, its employees, the clients, and more.<\/p>\n
When the work environment is positive, employees tend to have more energy and enthusiasm, which translates into a more productive and efficient practice. Employees also tend to have more confidence when working in this type of environment, which makes it more likely that they\u2019ll collaborate, achieve goals, and step up as leaders, as needed. Employees who work in a supportive workplace tend to be happier, and clients can pick up on this positive atmosphere. This can boost their own moods and morale.<\/p>\n
When analyzing your workplace culture, it is important to be objective. You can hire outside professionals to conduct an audit of your practice. Whether you undertake your own audit or hire professionals to conduct one, a number of key questions in 3 areas\u2014communication, workload, and workplace culture\u2014will help determine whether the practice offers a healthy, positive environment. The following are sample questions you can ask staff members via a survey.<\/p>\n