A new data-driven CVS study has, for the first time, identified the key factors that predict resignations among companion animal practice support staff, including receptionists, patient care advisers and other support staff.
The research findings were further identified by examining anonymised CVS veterinary practice data over 12 months. The study was undertaken to support the wider veterinary profession in reducing the number of support staff leaving their roles.
The results established that lower practice client engagement, lower practice staff engagement, recent parental leave, shorter practice employment tenure and younger age were all associated with an increased likelihood of support staff resignations.
Lower practice client engagement – a proxy for client satisfaction – was associated with increased odds of support staff resigning, highlighting the potential impact of client incivility on veterinary colleagues who are typically in customer-facing roles.
Reduced employee engagement – measured by an employee net promoter score (eNPS), where colleagues rate how likely they would recommend the practice as a good place to work, also correlated with increased resignations. Within CVS, eNPS has been demonstrated to be positively correlated with the frequency of line manager discussions. The current data suggests that consistent measurement of employee engagement in a veterinary setting at regular intervals throughout the year can have benefits for line managers in identifying increases in the risk of resignations and practice attrition, allowing them to take proactive steps to improve engagement.
A recent record of parental leave was also associated with greater odds of resigning in the following 12 months than staff who had not taken parental leave in the previous 12 months. Qualitative studies in other professions highlight the need for greater flexibility in working hours and focused managerial check-in support. Therefore, return to work interventions may present an opportunity to improve retention.
Conversely, the increased length of employment tenure was associated with decreasing odds of support staff resignations, potentially highlighting the role of long service reward schemes, such as the long service holiday awards CVS introduced a couple of years ago. Employee age was associated with the odds of resignations, with a 1 percent decrease in the odds of support staff resigning with each additional year of age.
Imogen Schofield, director of Clinical Research at CVS, said: “Support staff are integral members of the team. These key roles contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of a veterinary practice. Despite the important roles of support staff, little research exists on these team members, and there is no data describing the reasons for their attrition.
“This research was done to help the wider industry to understand how we can reduce support staff resignations. It aims to identify demographic, payroll and engagement factors associated with resignations. We believe it adds valuable insights to previous survey-based research by organisations such as the British Veterinary Receptionist Association.
“Reflecting on our research from 2021, we have introduced a Zero Tolerance Policy to protect our colleagues against intrusive, offensive, violent or aggressive behaviour from clients. We have launched monthly interactive Receptionist Support Sessions, giving receptionists the opportunity to connect with their peer network, share experiences and ideas, and feel supported. And we are now focussing on developing our support staff through creating new Receptionist and Patient Care Assistant Career Pathways.”
