The veterinary industry is currently experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis. Despite the number of veterinary graduates gradually increasing, the net number of vets joining the practising veterinary surgeons category of the industry has fallen sharply since 2019. (RCVS, 2022)
The decline has been attributed to multiple factors. An increase in demand due to the pressures of the pandemic, a surge in pet ownership and a reduction in the number of EU vets registering to practise in the UK, due to Brexit. This, combined with a gradual rise in the number of practising vets and nurses leaving clinical practice has left a large gap in the skilled workforce within the industry.
The most common reason given by those leaving the profession was work life balance (RCVS, 2021) with 44% of vets stating that they would like to work more flexibly (BVA, 2021). However many practices are concerned about how they can ensure adequate staffing levels and maintain out of hours cover, whilst embracing flexible working.
A recent global trial of a 4 day week (a type of flexible working) found that employees had greater satisfaction, improved productivity and improved health. 63% of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talent by implementing a 4 day week. 90% of firms trialling it have adopted it permanently. 71% of employees reported less burnout. More fathers took on child care responsibilities. 78% of employees with 4 day weeks are happier and less stressed. (The 4 Day Week Pilot Program, 2021)
With recruiting and onboarding a new member of staff costs an estimated at a whopping £15,000 per staff member, attracting and retaining talent makes a lot of financial sense.
So how can flexible working help retain staff in clinical practice?
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| Accreditation Level | Requirements |
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Bronze Flexee’s Bronze level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which demonstrate an interest in flexible working. |
Flexee Practice Account Administrator must
Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them)
Complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 50% |
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Silver Flexee’s Silver level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which supports flexible working. |
Flexee Practice Account Administrator must
Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them) Complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 70% Submit 2 case studies demonstrating how your practice applies the Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working for our assessors to give you feedback. Requirements:
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| Accreditation Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
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Bronze Flexee’s Bronze level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which demonstrate an interest in flexible working. |
Appoint a Flexee Practice Account Administrator (who automatically becomes a “Friend of Flexee” and can join the community*)
Flexee Practice Account Administrator must Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them) Complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 50% |
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Silver Flexee’s Silver level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which supports flexible working. |
Appoint a Flexee Practice Account Administrator (who automatically becomes a “Friend of Flexee” and can join the community*) Flexee Practice Account Administrator must Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them) Complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 70% Submit 2 case studies demonstrating how your practice applies the Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working for our assessors to give you feedback. Requirements:
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Gold Flexee’s Bronze level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which actively embraces flexible working. |
Appoint a Flexee Practice Account Administrator (who automatically becomes a “Friend of Flexee” and can join the community*) Flexee Practice Account Administrator must: Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them) At least 30% of Practice Team to complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 70% Submit 3 case studies demonstrating how your practice applies the Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working for our assessors to give you feedback. Requirements:
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Platinum Flexee’s Bronze level of Accreditation in Flexible Working is appropriate for practices which excels in flexible working. |
Appoint a Flexee Practice Account Administrator (who automatically becomes a “Friend of Flexee” and can join the community*) Flexee Practice Account Administrator must: Complete and pass Flexee’s course: “Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working” (qualifies for CPD credits should the participant wish to claim them) At least 50% of Practice Team to complete the Flexee online Assessment in Flexible Working and achieve a compliance score of at least 70% Submit 4 case studies demonstrating how your practice applies the Foundational Principles and Practices of flexible working for our assessors to give you feedback. Requirements:
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