Veterinary Integration Solutions, in collaboration with Galaxy Vets, released findings from the second-year survey, Burnout Study in the Veterinary Profession. Led by Dr. Ivan Zak, the continuing research aims to assess the dynamic in burnout rates across demographics and work settings, examine factors influencing employee satisfaction, and ultimately help veterinary businesses improve the well-being of their teams.

The 2021 survey used the same methodology from the previous year, allowing for data comparison, with an additional set of questions to dive deeper into the factors that potentially trigger burnout, such as low work-life balance, overwhelming caseload, lack of professional goals, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) issues. The research was held in partnership with Galaxy Vets, a new veterinary healthcare system co-owned by its employees. With a mission to bring veterinary medicine back to veterinarians, Galaxy Vets has burnout prevention as a strategic priority.

“In the workplace, we tend to think about burnout broadly; however, there is research suggesting that there are three unique subtypes of burnout — frenetic, under-challenged and neglect — each of which requires different ways of coping,” said Dr. Lauren Catenacci, Head of People and Culture at Galaxy Vets. “Findings from this study will help Galaxy Vets, and hopefully other veterinary practices, design a burnout prevention program that considers specific challenges different groups face, based on their age, gender identity, or role in the practice, and ultimately better tailor the work environment to their teams and their needs. We are already building in work-life balance and goal-setting features into the software that will be used by all employees — from the front-line staff to HQ executives.” 

Key findings summary

• The burnout rate increased in all groups over the past year.

• Younger veterinary professionals remain the most burned-out group.

• Veterinary technicians revealed the highest burnout level among all roles. 

• Participants who identified as gender-variant/non-conforming reported the highest level of burnout, followed by female respondents.

• Respondents who indicated that their employer has a clear burnout prevention strategy revealed a significantly lower burnout rate than the rest.

• There is a direct correlation between caseload and burnout rate. 

• Those who had professional goals reported significantly less burnout and felt happier and more valued than those who did not.

• Work-life balance is a challenge for all veterinary professionals, especially for women.

• There is a direct correlation between work-life balance and burnout.

“There is a need to expand our understanding of veterinary professionals’ mental well-being, and by recognizing individual differences, take a more targeted approach to burnout prevention. One of the key findings this year is that practitioners who had professional goals reported significantly less burnout, and feel happier and more valued than those who did not. It’s a practical takeaway that can be immediately instrumentalized by veterinary professionals and practice leaders,” said Dr. Ivan Zak, Founder of VIS and CEO at Galaxy Vets.

Read the report by clicking on the link below:

Burnout and Work-Life Balance Study in the Veterinary Profession: November 2021

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