Be more human

To thrive as a veterinary employer or any other type of employer, it is essential to focus on what makes us human.

Julius Caesar faced a daunting challenge around 2,000 years ago. He desperately needed more troops and offered his remaining soldiers the equivalent of four months' pay for each person they recruited to join the Roman army. To become a legionary, one had to be male, fit for fighting, at least 17 years old, and willing to sign up for 25 years of service. If you reached retirement age, which was a big if, you were rewarded with farmland. This could be considered the first instance of "golden handcuffs" – incentives used to attract and retain candidates.

They leave due to management, hours, and money, while they stay because of the team and location.

Although it is uncertain whether this tactic worked back then, it seems that financial incentives are not enough to keep veterinary surgeons on board today. Survey data from the UK, USA, Australia, and South Africa over the past two years indicate that vets are typically female and under 40 years old, and they change jobs every three years on average. They leave due to management, hours, and money, while they stay because of the team and location. Although salary is important, it is not the most critical factor. Employers cannot expect their staff to stick around for years on end, so incentives that only benefit the company are no longer valid. Employers must look to other sectors to see how the most successful businesses motivate and retain their employees.

This approach communicates that the company values their employees and is confident in their abilities.

For example, Netflix is known as one of the most forward-thinking companies in the tech industry. Despite the high demand for good coders, they encourage their employees to interview with other firms. Why? This approach communicates that the company values their employees and is confident in their abilities. This also allows the company to keep talented employees from leaving to work for the competition.

To thrive as a veterinary employer or any other type of employer, it is essential to focus on what makes us human. Mentorship, mental well-being, and effective management are some of the critical factors that appeal to the current generation of veterinarians. While fair pay is essential, so is having time to spend with loved ones. The most successful company is the most human one, and being more humane will ultimately lead to more tremendous success.

Be more human.