Feeling and working better – it starts with you

Some days, it can seem unrealistic to aim for more than just getting through the day. Research has identified nine components that lead to happy, healthy, productive people at work, helping to consistently deliver high-quality care.

When a vet who was passionate about QI asked for volunteers to get involved, I thought it didn’t apply to me – I thought you’d have to be clinical and full time, and it’s not for us receptionists, but she showed me that there was a role for us. It’s great for teamwork: for the audit team we set up, we try to have a vet, a nurse and a member of reception, so that you get lots of perspectives on the audit itself. It means everybody can understand the whole of the business, and it’s really rewarding for everyone to see that you’ve actually improved on something. If you can do a job that’s easier than how you were doing it before, and achieve a better result, that’s ultimately going to have an impact on your health and wellbeing.”

Jo Civil, Lead Receptionist and QI Officer, 387 Veterinary Centre

What this article covers

The sixth article in the series focusses on how all of us can help nurture wellness and resilience in ourselves and each other. It demonstrates the shared principles of the Joy in Work framework and quality improvement (QI) approach to problem solving, and how any team member can use QI to make things better. The article covers:

• The connections between quality improvement and improved workplace wellbeing.
• Demonstrates the varied roles in the veterinary team undertaking improvement activities.
• The practical steps that can be taken to encourage whole team involvement.

Article reference

McCall, J. and RCVS Knowledge (2023) Feeling and working better – it starts with you. Vet Times, 53 (34), pp. 4. Available from: https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/feeling-and-working-better-it-starts-with-you