This past summer, The VET Recruiter conducted its annual Workplace/Workforce Survey of professionals in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. The results of the survey were insightful. Some of the results were expected, others were not and still others were . . . surprising.
If you participated in our survey this year, I would like to thank you. Your willingness to participate is instrumental in our efforts to recognize trends within the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession and within the job market overall.
I would like to present highlights of the survey results, which I’ve broken down into the following categories . . .
Industry Demographics: A Diverse and Shifting Workforce
The demographic breakdown of the survey provides an insightful snapshot of the workforce. A significant portion of respondents, 27.6%, are between the ages of 25 and 34, highlighting the relatively young profile of professionals in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. This influx of younger workers may contribute to new ideas and energy in the profession, but it also indicates a potential need for increased training and mentorship programs to help these individuals develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
Gender representation in the industry is also a point of note. The majority of respondents (78.3%) identify as female, a continuation of trends seen in recent years that point to the growing prevalence of women in Animal Health and Veterinary roles. This demographic shift could impact workplace culture, as well as necessitate changes in policies and benefits to cater to a predominantly female workforce.
Employment and Job Satisfaction: Workforce Shortages and Job Security
A key finding from the survey is the ongoing concern about workforce shortages. More than half (50.8%) of respondents strongly agree that there is a shortage of professionals within their industry. This sentiment underscores a growing challenge in recruiting and retaining Veterinary professionals, which could strain Veterinary practices already operating with limited staff.
In terms of hiring activity, the survey reveals that 42.5% of respondents are actively seeking to hire, with a notable portion (12.5%) desperately seeking new hires. This need is exacerbated by the fact that 87.9% of respondents indicated that they need to fill between 1 and 5 positions, with 94.8% of respondents unable to fill at least one position during the past year.
Despite the shortages, job satisfaction remains relatively high. On a scale of 1 to 10, the majority of respondents (32.1%) rated their overall happiness in their current position at a 7, while 29.8% rated it an 8 or higher. However, there is a significant portion of respondents (14.3%) who are less satisfied, rating their job satisfaction at 4 or lower. In addition, only 51.3% of respondents believe it is very likely they will remain in their current job for the next 12 months, suggesting growing job instability and turnover risks.
Workplace Challenges: Overwork, Communication, and Leadership Concerns
Workplace challenges continue to affect job satisfaction and employee retention. A significant number of respondents (39.5%) cited being overworked as a primary concern, while 31.4% pointed to poor communication within their organizations. Leadership and management issues also featured prominently, with 32.4% of respondents highlighting them as a source of dissatisfaction.
Concerns about being underpaid were also prevalent, with 33% of respondents citing this as a significant issue. The perception of being undercompensated, combined with high workloads and poor communication, presents a substantial risk to both employee morale and retention. This is further compounded by the fact that 42.2% of respondents identified understaffing as a major issue in their workplaces.
Work Hours and Flexibility: A Need for Balance
The survey results also highlight concerns surrounding work hours and flexibility. A significant portion of respondents (58.4%) work 40 hours or more per week, with 32.1% working between 40 and 49 hours. This is a slight reduction in average weekly hours compared to previous years, yet it still leaves little room for flexibility or work-life balance.
Flexible working hours remain a key issue, as only 39.6% of respondents report having flexible schedules. Many professionals (51.3%) are satisfied with their work schedules, but 20.1% are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, indicating room for improvement. Notably, 38.4% of respondents said they have flexible work hours, but that still leaves a significant number of employees working in less adaptable environments.
Work-life balance continues to be a concern, with only 32.1% of respondents strongly agreeing that their job allows them to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. This is a troubling figure, as work-life balance is increasingly recognized as essential for maintaining employee well-being and preventing burnout in high-stress professions like Veterinary medicine.
Compensation and Benefits: Satisfaction Gaps and Room for Growth
Compensation remains a contentious issue in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. The survey reveals that 43.2% of respondents are somewhat satisfied with their overall compensation, while 24.0% are very satisfied. However, a notable portion (15.9%) expressed dissatisfaction with their pay, with 8.2% feeling very dissatisfied. This dissatisfaction is likely driven in part by the fact that 60.4% of respondents did not receive a cost-of-living pay increase during the last 12 months.
The survey also explored additional compensation and benefits, with 42.5% of respondents reporting that they receive no additional compensation beyond their base salary. Among those who do receive extra compensation, the most common forms are performance-based bonuses (16.9%) and company performance-based rewards (18.5%).
Addressing Workforce Shortages and Improving Employee Satisfaction
The results of the 2024 VET Recruiter Animal Health and Veterinary Workplace/Workforce Survey provides a clear picture of the challenges facing the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. Workforce shortages, recruitment difficulties, high workloads, and compensation concerns all contribute to a challenging work environment for many professionals. In addition, issues centered around work-life balance, leadership, and communication further exacerbate employee dissatisfaction.
However, the survey results also point to multiple areas of opportunity. By addressing issues such as flexible work hours, improving compensation packages, and investing in better management practices, employers can help alleviate some of the pressure on their workforce and create more sustainable, fulfilling careers for Animal Health and Veterinary professionals.
We invite you to find out more about our Veterinary recruiting services for employers and also learn more about our recruiting process and how we can help you hire more veterinarians this year.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. If this is something that you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.