Free toolkit for managing and mitigating veterinary workplace incivility

The AVA’s submission to the Inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage in New South Wales argued that client incivility was often a result of unrealistic expectations by the general public. It went on to say that incivility was having a profoundly negative impact on the mental health of veterinarians and their retention, particularly those in early career. 

Research conducted in 2022 by the University of Aberdeen School of Psychology and published in Veterinary Record, links uncivil interactions to increased anxiety and depression, reduced job satisfaction, increased quitting intention and increased risk of burnout in veterinary staff.  

A free toolkit based on academic research and informed by expert and real-world experiences is now available for those impacted by incivility - whether it occurs during interactions with clients, co-workers or senior colleagues.  

The materials and activities in the toolkit were produced by psychologists from the University of Aberdeen in conjunction with veterinary staff in the UK and Ireland. They are designed to help raise awareness of the adverse impacts associated with uncivil behaviour and support veterinary staff in assessing and responding to workplace incivility. 

The comprehensive toolkit includes detailed resources on different types and sources of incivility, as well as a discussion around impacts and responding to incivility. There are also worksheets, guided activities, explainer videos and key concept diagrams.