Leading to Light the Flame: Recognizing Burnout in Your Team

So much of today’s focus on compassion fatigue and burnout in relation to veterinary professionals is focused on recognizing it in ourselves and our peers. Managing a veterinary hospital demands a delicate balance of leadership, compassion, and operational efficiency while navigating the risk of burnout among team members. This presentation explores the essential role of managers in recognizing and addressing burnout within veterinary teams. It defines burnout, distinguishing it from compassion fatigue, and identifies its unique manifestations in veterinary professionals. Managers are pivotal in creating a supportive work environment, and the presentation outlines strategies to promote well-being, including fostering communication, recognizing achievements, and offering training opportunities. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of managers monitoring their own well-being to effectively lead and prevent burnout. By prioritizing mental health and fostering a positive workplace culture, managers can ensure the success and well-being of both their teams and the patients they serve in veterinary hospitals.