The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is to host a free webinar to explore the benefits of achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the veterinary workplace.
As veterinary professionals around the world face increased pressures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on top of already challenging working conditions and staff shortages, retaining and motivating staff and enabling them to work at maximum effectiveness is key to the success of a veterinary clinic or business.
DEI supports the representation and participation of diverse groups of people, including those of different genders, races and ethnicities, religions, cultures, backgrounds, ages and sexual orientation. It also includes people with disabilities, including so-called “hidden disabilities”, which can include autism, chronic pain and learning difficulties, as well as mental health conditions.
During the webinar, speakers will discuss the importance of “belonging” and the role “workplace” belonging” plays in improving business or practice performance. They will then explore how organizations can enhance the performance of their staff by recognizing and embracing their differences – both seen and unseen. They will also recommend practical steps that can be taken in veterinary businesses to ensure the creation of a DEI workplace.
The Chair of the WSAVA’s Professional Wellness Group (PWG), Clinical Psychologist Dr Nienke Endenburg, will present during the webinar. Nienke teaches veterinary students at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands how to manage their own wellness during vet school and beyond.
She will be joined by PWG member Dr Debbie Stoewen. Canada-based Debbie is qualified both as a veterinarian and a social worker and has developed an evidence-based veterinary continuing education program called “The Social Side of Practice”, which covers areas including veterinary wellness, communication, teamwork, organizational culture and leadership.
The webinar will be moderated by PWG member Dr Elli Kalemtzaki, a veterinarian and certified professional coach, who helps veterinary practitioners market their services, inspire their teams and engage with customers.
Commenting on the webinar, Debbie said: “Cultivating a culture of belonging in the workplace is a journey, not a destination. It takes learning, commitment, patience, endurance and tenacity. And it begins with you and your willingness to embrace the everyday actions you can take. The time is now.”
The work of the WSAVA Professional Wellness Group is kindly supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
You can find out more or join the webinar here.
