By Stefanie Miller
We often hear from practices that people are not motivated to work, or nobody wants to work these days. While we are living in unique times, it is important to remember that people are emotional beings dealing with all kinds of stressors and it is so important to have empathy and understanding of what drives people to do their best work. Some things stay the same and some new things we learn through research and studies. We have learned that sustaining motivation among team members requires more than just annual reviews and occasional free lunch or coffee; it involves fostering a deep sense of purpose and connection to the practice’s “why” and core values. A strong culture that supports team motivation and inspiration can significantly impact the quality of patient care, team morale, and overall productivity.
In Matt Tenney’s book Inspire Greatness, he lists 14 universal needs for thriving at work as they are essential to building a supportive and engaged workplace. Luckily, these are all things that we focus on here at VGP.
- Clarity of Expectations
When people understand their roles and responsibilities clearly, they can focus on providing the best care without the distraction of uncertainty. Establishing and communicating clear expectations sets a foundation for trust and reduces the anxiety that can arise from ambiguity. This could be job descriptions, SOPs, and consistent processes.
- Providing the Right Tools
Ensuring teams have the resources they need to do their jobs efficiently—whether it is medical equipment, technology, or training—reduces frustration and boosts confidence, allowing them to focus on patient or client care and other meaningful aspects of their work.
- Leveraging Strengths
Assigning tasks that align with employees’ strengths not only increases productivity but also cultivates self-worth and pride. When employees use their unique skills to contribute to the practice’s goals, they feel valued and motivated to bring their best to the job every day.
- Appreciation and Recognition
Acknowledging hard work and accomplishments fosters a positive work environment where individuals feel appreciated. Implementing a rewards and recognition program that is personalized to your team could be that extra step that reinforces each team member’s importance to the practice.
- Opportunities for Growth
Professional development opportunities, like continuing education, workshops, or hands-on training, support career advancement and continual learning. Remember that we have so many educational opportunities for the entire team. Growth, it is in our name!
- Feeling Heard
Valuing people’s opinions and giving them a voice in decisions strengthens team cohesion and loyalty. A workplace where everyone’s ideas are respected fosters innovation, creating a more dynamic and motivated team.
- Meaningful Work
Veterinary professionals are often deeply connected to their purpose of helping animals. Assigning tasks that align with the mission, vision, and core values deepens job satisfaction, reminding each team member of their vital role in patient care and animal welfare.
- Pursuit of Excellence
Supporting employees as they strive for high-quality results promotes pride in their work. When team members feel empowered to do their best, they are motivated to maintain high standards and continue improving.
- Belonging and Relationships
Having bonded connections at work can be one of the strongest predictors of retention. Cultivating an environment of belonging through team-building activities or shared goals strengthens relationships and fosters a supportive community within the practice.
- Feedback
Regular, constructive feedback helps employees grow professionally and improve their skills. In veterinary practice, where precision and care are crucial, feedback supports continuous improvement and bolsters confidence.
- Autonomy
Providing autonomy in their roles empowers employees, allowing them to take ownership of their work. This trust boosts motivation and supports job satisfaction, as employees feel respected and trusted to make informed decisions.
- Building Trust
Trust within the team and, particularly, in leadership is vital for a harmonious work environment. When employees trust each other and their leaders, they are more collaborative, resilient, and satisfied.
- Prioritizing Well-Being
This is so important to us. Supporting employees’ well-being ensures they are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of veterinary work. Prioritizing a harmonious approach to well-being helps prevent burnout, supporting long-term engagement and retention.
- Compassionate Leadership
Caring leadership is essential for fostering a compassionate and motivated team. When leaders actively show care for their team’s welfare, it builds a foundation of mutual respect and loyalty, motivating employees to go the extra mile.
It is our job as leaders to inspire our teams to perform at their best every day. By integrating these universal needs along with connecting them to our “WHY,” living our values, we can energize ourselves and the most important asset to our practice, our people.
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