Good leadership: what emergency veterinarians value most when evaluating job opportunities and employment longevity

Abstract

Background/aims: This study was designed to examine the factors that impact emergency veterinarians' decisions in selecting a place of employment and their perceptions of job aspects that are important to foster a work environment conducive to long term employment. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the Veterinary Information Network through its data collection portal. Findings: The factors rated by veterinarians as most important in selecting a place of employment include collegiality of co-workers, working with a highly trained support staff, and the opportunity to work fewer, but longer, shifts. Factor analysis identified five factors conducive to long-term employment: schedule, professional growth, environmental tone/atmosphere, medical support, and leadership. The factor found to be most important was leadership. All factors, except for professional growth, were rated as more important by female versus male practitioners. Conclusions: Emergency medicine recruitment and retention efforts can benefit from focusing on schedule, professional growth, environmental tone/atmosphere, medical support and leadership. By better understanding the impact of gender, children status, and years in practice on the perceived importance in creating workplace environments conducive to long term employment, hospitals can be better equipped to meet the needs current employees as well as potential new hires.