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Frontiers in veterinary science2023; 10; 1036388; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388

Engage and enjoy-investigating predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals.

Abstract: Individuals working in the field of veterinary care are regularly affected by their profession. High levels of responsibility to often provide life-saving health care to animals combined with having to manage owners' expectations and irregular working hours can cause considerable levels of work-related stress among professionals in equine veterinary practice. On the positive side, research also shows that working in the veterinary profession can have a positive impact on personal wellbeing and feelings of fulfillment. A limited number of studies has investigated work satisfaction and engagement among veterinarians across the globe, and none specifically in the equine veterinary work field. The aim of the current study was to identify relevant predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in relation to demographic and work environment related factors in the equine veterinary profession. Unassigned: A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate work satisfaction and employee engagement among equine veterinary professionals from the UK, the US and the Netherlands using an online survey. Unassigned: Results suggest that levels of work engagement and satisfaction in the veterinary profession may be gauged using four factors. These factors encompass Pride and purpose (the extent to which personal core values align with the mission of the employer, i.e., the veterinary practice), Company culture and relationship with management (the manner in which staff members interact with each other and the management), Working conditions and compensation (formal employment conditions relating to responsibilities and rewards and levels of collegiality) and Team culture and learning possibilities (encouragement to pursue personal and professional growth). Unassigned: Findings underline the importance of being particularly mindful of inexperienced colleagues, those with demanding family commitments and, where feasible, of providing employees with a modicum of autonomy in order to ensure a satisfied equine veterinary workforce.
Copyright © 2023 Elte, Acton, Martin, Nielen, van Weeren and Wolframm.
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Publication Date: 2023-02-15 PubMed ID: 36876013PubMed Central: PMC9975571DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper examines factors that influence job satisfaction and engagement among professionals in the equine veterinary field, using data collected via an online survey from professionals in the UK, US, and the Netherlands.

Study design and data collection

  • The study uses a cross-sectional design, a type of observational study that analyzes data collected from a population, or a representative subset, at one specific point in time. This design is frequently used in research to understand the prevalence of certain characteristics or behaviors in a defined population.
  • Data was collected through an online survey targeted at equine veterinary professionals based in the UK, the US, and the Netherlands. However, the paper doesn’t provide details about the survey’s distribution or exact content.

Prediction of job satisfaction and engagement

  • The research aimed to predict factors that lead to job satisfaction and engagement among these professionals. ‘Engagement’ in this context refers to enthusiasm for and commitment to work, which often leads to better performance and outcomes.
  • Four potentially predictive factors were identified: Pride and purpose, Company culture and relationship with management, Working conditions and compensation, and Team culture and learning possibilities.
  • ‘Pride and Purpose’ reflects the alignment between personal values and the values of the veterinary practice. A high degree of alignment can foster a sense of personal and professional achievement and satisfaction.
  • ‘Company Culture and Relationship with Management’ refers to the interactions between staff and their superiors. A healthy company culture that encourages open communication and respect can lead to higher engagement at work.
  • ‘Working Conditions and Compensation’ takes into account job responsibilities, rewards, and the general atmosphere among colleagues. Fair compensation and good working conditions can help reduce work-related stress and increase satisfaction.
  • ‘Team Culture and Learning Possibilities’ represents the opportunities for personal and professional growth within the team. Supportive team environment and chances for continuous learning can enhance job satisfaction and engagement.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Based on the findings, the authors stress the need to support less experienced colleagues and those managing family commitments, suggesting that providing a certain degree of autonomy may lead to higher job satisfaction in the veterinary workforce.
  • However, the study does not offer specific recommendations on how to enhance or address each factor to improve job satisfaction and engagement in the equine veterinary field. It merely highlights the importance of these factors in predicting job satisfaction and engagement.

Cite This Article

APA
Elte Y, Acton K, Martin J, Nielen M, van Weeren R, Wolframm I. (2023). Engage and enjoy-investigating predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals. Front Vet Sci, 10, 1036388. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 1036388
PII: 1036388

Researcher Affiliations

Elte, Yteke
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Acton, Kate
  • The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Martin, Jessica
  • The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Nielen, Mirjam
  • Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
van Weeren, René
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Wolframm, Inga
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Elte Y, Wolframm I, Vernooij H, Nielen M, van Weeren R. Equine veterinarians' care priorities regarding vaccination, colic, lameness and pre-purchase scenarios. Equine Vet J 2026 Jan;58(1):203-211.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14537pubmed: 40452182google scholar: lookup
  2. Whitaker K, Burnette A, Tan JY, Graves M, Hunt J, Devine E, Anderson S, Kirkendall K, Wisnieski L. Factors influencing equine veterinarians' job satisfaction and retention: A focus group study. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1563-1571.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14467pubmed: 39790082google scholar: lookup
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