Wellness in the workplace refers to activities of policies in the workplace that promote healthy behaviour and improve health outcomes, encompassing physical, mental, and occupational well-being. It’s about creating an environment that supports employees’ overall health and happiness, which in turn can enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and retention.

In veterinary medicine, wellness is recognized as a significant issue with a high risk of depression, psychological distress, and burnout. Improving well-being is a shared responsibility among practice teams, business owners, and individuals. Tools like the Professional Quality of Life assessment are available to help veterinary professionals measure and improve their well-being. Some of the ways to promote wellness in the workplace include:

• Workplace Wellness Programs: Employers can create programs that promote wellness in the workplace. These programs can include well-being check-ins, well-being champions, and activities to support a culture of well-being.
• Wellness Training and Education: Sign the team up for a workplace wellness program that teams the crucial skills needed to support a culture of well-being in the workplace.
• Wellness Resources: Sign up for resources such as online webinars, training, and certificate programs to support personal and professional well-being.
• Culture Solutions: Bridging the gap between personal and cultural workplace well-being can be achieved by creating a supportive environment that encourages employees to prioritize physical and mental well-being and talk about their feelings.

Determining if you are healthy involves considering various aspects of well-being, both physical and mental. Here’s a brief guide on how to assess your health:

1. Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for brain repair and rest. Check if you are getting enough sleep that is restorative and consistent.
2. Nutrition: A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is necessary to provide nutrients to fuel your body and brain. Food is also meant to provide satisfaction and connection and contribute to our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. It is important to remember that although some foods are more nutritionally dense, food carries no moral value (there are no “good foods” or “bad foods”).
3. Physical Activity: Exercise increases blood flow, which is crucial for overall health. It can include various activities. Regular physical activity is a key indicator of good health but is also a celebration of what your body can do. Focusing on movement that makes your body feel good and is truly enjoyable allows for easier incorporation into daily routines.
4. Balance and Moderation: It is crucial to avoid extremes, such as overly restrictive diets or excessive physical activity. A well-rounded diet and moderate exercise support your body’s needs and mental health but also prevent the risks associated with overexertion and nutritional deficiencies, highlighting the importance of finding a sustainable approach to both for lasting well-being
5. Nature: Spending time outdoors and in nature can improve your mental health. Reflect on how much time you spend in natural settings.
6. Spirituality: Engaging in spirituality, which involves a personal quest to understand life’s ultimate questions and connect with the sacred or transcendent, has been linked to improved physical and mental health. It represents a crucial, often overlooked dimension of well-being, contributing to a holistic approach to personal development and overall quality of life.
7. Mental Health: Tools like the Canadian Mental Health Association’s check-in or the mental health checklist provided by the Canadian Veterinarians Association can help you evaluate your mental health.

An example of the scale used in the recent CVJ publication (Calgary vet students, June 2023): https://www.healthfocuspsychology.com.au/tools/dass-21/

Remember, this is a simple guide and not an exhaustive health assessment. It’s always recommended to consult healthcare professionals for a comprehensive health evaluation.

Workplace health and safety focuses on improving legislative compliance to reduce workplace fatalities, serious injuries, and illnesses. The Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations in Manitoba are enforced to protect the safety and health of workers. This includes targeting high-risk hazards and sectors, conducting inspections, and issuing orders and penalties for non-compliance.

On the other hand, workplace wellness typically involves programs aimed at improving the overall well-being of employees, including mental health, stress management, and healthy lifestyle promotion, and they often fall under company policy rather than legal mandate.

While workplace safety and health and workplace wellness programs have different objectives, they are both important for creating a safe and healthy work environment. Employers in Manitoba are encouraged to comply with the Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations to ensure the safety and health of their workers, and to implement workplace wellness programs to promote overall employee well-being.

Assessing if your workplace is healthy involves looking at several factors, both physical and psychological. Physically, a healthy workplace should have good ventilation, adequate lighting, access to natural spaces, safe handling of substances, and proper facilities and equipment. Psychologically, the impact on emotional and mental health is crucial. A toxic workplace often includes elements of bullying and destructive leadership behaviour, which are detrimental to mental health.

A healthy workplace is crucial for the well-being of employees, as it can impact both physical and mental health. Assessing your workplace’s health involves looking at various factors, including physical safety, emotional well-being, and strategies to create a healthier work environment.

Physical Health and Safety:

1. Ventilation and Lighting: Ensure the workplace has adequate ventilation and natural lighting to create a comfortable and safe environment.
2. Safe Handling of Chemicals/Drugs/Controlled Substances: Prioritize the proper protocols for handling chemicals, drugs, and controlled substances to minimize risk.
3. Facilities and Equipment: Maintain and provide adequate facilities and equipment to support employees’ tasks and safety.
4. Animal Restraint Equipment: Ensure the availability and proper use of animal restraint equipment to protect both employees and animals.

Emotional and Mental Health:

1. Toxic Workplace: A toxic workplace is one that consistently fosters a negative atmosphere, impacting employees’ mental and emotional health.
2. Workplace Bullying: Workplace bullying refers to harassing, offending, socially excluding, or negatively affecting someone’s work tasks. It must occur repeatedly and regularly over a period (e.g., about six months) to be considered bullying. Prolonged and concerted bullying poses a significant mental health risk.
3. Destructive Leadership Behaviour: Destructive leadership behaviour includes systematic actions by a leader that undermines the organization’s goals, tasks, resources, and the well-being of subordinates.

Creating a Healthy Workplace:

1. Mental Health First Aid Certification: Consider having a staff member in each clinic certified as a Mental Health First Aider by taking the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health First Aid Course.
2. Workplace Health and Safety Committee: If your clinic has a workplace health and safety committee, incorporate the Canadian National Psychological Standards for Safety into existing clinic Occupational Health and Safety Standards to develop a Comprehensive Workplace Health and Safety Program using the framework from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
3. Resources for Training: Utilize free resources from the “Workplace Strategies for Mental Health” website to support psychosocial factors and provide training opportunities for staff.

Clinic/Workplace Easy Wins:

1. Duty to Accommodate and Injury Reporting: Ensure compliance with Duty to Accommodate requirements and Injury Reporting
2. Occupational Health and Safety Training: Provide training on Occupational Health and Safety, particularly on emergency preparedness, safe lifting, and violence prevention. Follow the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Tip Sheet for Veterinary Practices.
3. Controlled Substances Management: Limit access to pentobarbital and scheduled drugs by keeping them in locked drug boxes and separate safes. Implement a four-eyes approach and drug-safe sticker system.
4. Hazard Identification and Controls: Identify hazards and controls for equipment, drugs/chemicals, processes, and the work environment (see attachment to ABVMA MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE | MAY-JUNE 2021, PG. 30 Injury Prevention Strategies in Veterinary Medicine by Jen DeRasp).
5. Telehealth and Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore telehealth options and flexible work arrangements to support employees’ work-life balance and mental well-being.

In summary, a healthy workplace supports both the physical and psychological well-being of its employees. It is proactive in preventing bullying, offers comprehensive safety training, provides resources for mental health, and adheres to high standards of occupational health and safety. By following these guidelines and implementing the recommended strategies, you can create a healthier workplace environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being for employees.

An Employer’s Obligation & An Employee’s Rights: Legal Requirements

In Manitoba, both employers and employees have specific legal obligations and rights under various statutes. The key laws governing these include the Employment Standards Code and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.

Employer Obligations:

1. Employment Standards: The Employment Standards Code sets the minimum standards for workplaces, including minimum wage, hours of work, leaves of absence, overtime, and termination notice and pay.
2. Minimum Wage: Employers are required to pay at least the minimum wage. They can offer higher wages or additional benefits but cannot go below this minimum.
3. Overtime Pay: Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the employee’s hourly wage. The threshold for overtime is 40 hours weekly and 8 hours daily. Employees are also entitled to a minimum rest period of 24 consecutive hours each week.
4. Vacation Time and Pay: After one year of employment, employees are entitled to at least two weeks of vacation, with vacation pay being 4% of gross wages. After five years, this increases to three weeks of vacation and 6% of gross wages.
5. General Holidays: Employers must provide statutory holiday pay, calculated based on regular work hours or as 5% of the gross wages in the four weeks before the holiday, depending on the employee’s work schedule.
6. Workplace Safety and Health: Under the WSH Act, employers are required to ensure a safe and healthy workplace, addressing hazards, and providing necessary training and information.

Employee Rights:

1. Safety Rights: Employees have the right to know about workplace hazards, participate in safety activities, refuse unsafe work, and be protected from reprisal for raising safety concerns.
2. Minimum Entitlements: Employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, statutory holiday pay, and vacation time as per the Employment Standards Code.
3. Refusal of Unsafe Work: Workers can refuse work they believe is dangerous, and employers cannot insist they perform such work. Arrangements should be made to address safety concerns.
4. Protection from Reprisal: Exercising rights under the WSH Act should not lead to penalties from employers. This protection is crucial for a positive safety culture.

These laws establish a framework to ensure fair and safe working conditions in Manitoba, balancing the needs and rights of both employers and employees.

It’s important to note that employment laws and regulations can change over time, so both employers and employees should stay informed about the most current laws and seek legal advice or consult with the Manitoba Employment Standards Branch or a labour lawyer if they have specific questions or concerns regarding their rights and obligations.

Hazards specific to the veterinary environment can include:

1. Access to Potentially Addictive Medications: Veterinary professionals have access to various medications, including some that can be addictive. This access increases the risk of misuse or diversion of these substances, potentially leading to addiction issues. It’s important for veterinary environments to have strict controls and monitoring systems in place to prevent misuse.

See Addiction Resources.

2. Euthanasia and Mass Depopulation: Veterinarians are often required to perform euthanasia, which can be emotionally taxing. The psychological impact of euthanizing animals, whether in individual cases or in situations involving mass depopulation (like in disease outbreaks in farm animals), can lead to mental health challenges such as compassion fatigue, moral distress, or burnout. It’s crucial for veterinary professionals to have access to mental health support and resources to cope with these challenges.
3. Exposure to Zoonotic Diseases: Veterinarians are at risk of exposure to diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic diseases). This includes various bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Proper hygiene practices and protective equipment are essential to minimize this risk.
4. Physical Injuries: Handling animals, especially larger or uncooperative ones, can lead to physical injuries. This includes bites, scratches, or injuries from being kicked or knocked over. Training in proper animal handling techniques and the use of protective gear can help reduce these risks.
5. Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Exposure to animal dander, hair, and other allergens can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory issues in some individuals. This is particularly relevant in environments like veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
6. Chemical Hazards: Use of disinfectants, anesthetics, and other chemicals in a veterinary setting can pose risks if not handled properly. Appropriate training in handling and disposing of these substances is vital.
7. Radiation Exposure: In veterinary clinics, there is often the use of diagnostic imaging equipment (like X-rays), which involves exposure to radiation. Strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of protective equipment are necessary to minimize exposure.
8. Stress and Long Working Hours: The veterinary profession can be stressful due to the nature of the work, emotional attachments to animals, and long, irregular working hours. This can lead to mental health issues and burnout.
9. Unsafe Driving: The veterinary profession can require long stretches of driving. Driving while tired, distracted, or in poor weather conditions significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Addressing these hazards requires a combination of proper training, policies, equipment, and support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of veterinary professionals.

The following is not an exhaustive list but a starting point for resources that are available in Manitoba.

Please mvmainfo@mvma.ca if there is a resource that can be added to the list.

Not sure where to start or what resources and support you need? We recommend you start here:

• In Manitoba, anyone can call 211 for advice on community support programs that are available locally.
• Contact a Homewood Health counsellor for advice. The MVMA pays for access to Homewood Health for all members, including members of the MVTA, office managers, receptionists, veterinary assistants, etc.

Homewood Health: Available to all MVMA & MVTA Members

1.800.663.1142

Help in a Crisis

Emergency: 911

Manitoba Suicide Prevention Line, 24/7, for everyone:  1-877-435-7170; 204-784-4097

• The Manitoba Suicide Prevention line is for ANYONE talking about harming themselves or feeling hopeless or very depressed. Any expression of these thoughts and feelings should be taken seriously.

Klinic 24 HR Crisis Line, for everyone: 204-786-8686; Tollfree: 1-888-322-3019

Klinic Sexual Assault Line, for everyone: 204-786-8631

• The Klinic phone numbers are for ANYONE experiencing a mental health crisis.

Main Street Project, Winnipeg: 204-982-8245

• The Main Street Project is a non-emergency facility in Winnipeg that offers detox and drying out support for alcohol and drugs.

Crisis Response Centre, Winnipeg: 204-940-1781

• The Crisis Response Centre located at 817 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg is a 24/7 facility where someone can go in-person, or the phone number can be called for a telephone intake/assessment.

Support in Rural Settings

Rural support phone numbers are in place for those not living in a major city in Manitoba.

All Rural Farm Stress Line: 1-866-367-3276

• Interlake area: 1-866-427-8628
• North Eastman: 1-866-427-8628
• South Eastman: 1-888-617-7715
• Burntwood: 1-204-677-2381
• Flin Flon: 1-204-689-9611
• The Pas: 1-204-627-8224
• Portage la Prairie: 1-204-857-6369
• Winkler: 1-204-857-6369
• Brandon/Assiniboine: 1-888-379-7699

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program: https://www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca

• info@manitobafarmerwellness.ca
• (204) 232 – 0574

Youth-Focused Resource Phone Numbers

Youth Mobile Crisis Unit (21 and under): 204-949-4777; Tollfree: 1-888-383-2776

• The Youth Crisis phone number is for young people 21 years old and under experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis.

Kids Help Phone, young people up to 25 years old: 1-800-668-6868; Text Line: 686868

• Kids Help Phone is a free and immediate support either over the phone or via text for children and young adults up to 25 years of age.
• Emergency Shelter for Youth, Winnipeg: 204-477-1804

Indigenous Community-Focused Resource Phone Numbers

IRSSS Toll Free: 1-800-721-0066

24 Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

• KUU-US Crisis line: 1-800-588-8717
• Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-925-4419
• Talk4Healing for Indigenous Women: 1-855-554-4325
• Anishnawbe Health Mental Health Crisis: 1-855-242-3310
• Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310

Addiction Support

Smoking Cessation: https://www.quitsmokingmb.ca/

• Anyone in Manitoba who is ready to stop smoking can take advantage of the “Quit Smoking with Your Pharmacist” program, which provides free nicotine-replacement therapy and multiple individual counselling sessions with one of >500 smoking-cessation-trained pharmacists throughout Manitoba. This service is available in several languages, see complete list on website.
• Check the website for pharmacy locations and languages: https://www.quitsmokingmb.ca/
• Manitoba Government News Release: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=54041&posted=2022-04-01
• Contact Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance if you have questions or would like resources to promote human smoking cessation from a One Health perspective (e.g., benefits to the pet, animal, environment).

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM): http://www.afm.mb.ca/

• AFM is a Crown agency that provides addictions services and supports healthy behaviours in Manitoba.
• AFM provides Manitobans with a range of services and supports relating to alcohol, substance use and problem gambling.

As a condition of their membership, all MVMA members are also members of the CVMA and so qualify to access the CVMA’s extensive wellness resource library. If you are a non-veterinarian member of the Manitoba veterinary community (e.g., member of the MVTA, office manager, veterinary clinic receptionist, veterinary assistant, etc.) and would like help in accessing these resources, please contact the mvmainfo@mvma.ca.

Examples of CVMA’s wellness resources that are available:

• Educational courses such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s The Working Mind offered by CVMA and sponsored by Royal Canin.
• Peer support group for any Canadian veterinarians and RVTs available from The Edmonton Association of Small Animal Veterinarians (easav.ca).
• Peer support is also available to veterinarians and veterinary students via CVMA’s TogetherAll digital 24/7 Peer-to-Peer Support program, in addition to other resources and supports offered to CVMA members to support wellness.
• Who Ya’gonna call? The CVMA’s list of mental health resources, including a customizable PDF poster: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/veterinary-resources/veterinary-health-and-wellness-resources/mental-health-awareness-resources/who-ya-gonna-call/
• Check the CVMA website frequently for updates!

The AVMA has wellbeing resources that can be found here. Specifically, the QPR Suicide Prevention Training is offered to AVMA members at no additional cost. QPR suicide prevention training teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help.

As new graduates step into the professional world, we’ve compiled some essential wellness tips to help navigate this exciting transition. Remember, taking care of oneself is as important as caring for animal patients.

1. Balancing Act: Your well-being matters. Strive for a balance between your career and personal life. Set boundaries to ensure you have time to relax and enjoy activities outside of work.
2. Never Stop Learning: The veterinary field is ever-evolving. Stay ahead by engaging in continuous education through workshops, conferences, and seminars. This not only enhances your skills but also keeps you invigorated professionally.
3. Mind Matters: Your mental health is crucial. Recognize the stresses unique to our profession and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help.
4. Financial Fitness: Begin your career on a solid financial footing. Understand the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing. Managing your finances effectively can reduce stress and provide security.
5. Connect and Grow: Build a network of colleagues and mentors. Get active in the MVMA and participate in the many events. These connections can offer invaluable support and guidance.
6. Compassion Care: Dealing with compassion fatigue is part of our job. Learn to recognize its signs and develop strategies to cope. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your patients.
7. Ethics and Professionalism: Uphold the high standards of our noble profession. Your commitment to ethics and professionalism reflects not only on you but on our entire community.
8. Mastering Communication: Effective communication with pet owners is key. Develop skills to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and clarity, particularly during challenging times.
9. Self-Care Strategies: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and hobbies are essential. These practices keep you physically and mentally fit, enabling you to perform at your best.
10. Workplace Wisdom: Understand and navigate your workplace dynamics positively. Foster healthy relationships with colleagues and learn to address conflicts constructively.

Remember, your journey as a veterinarian is not just about animal health, but also about your growth and well-being. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Welcome aboard, and here’s to a fulfilling and rewarding career!

As a visiting or summer student, you are stepping into an enriching and challenging environment. Here’s some advice to make the most of your experience:

1. Maximize Learning Opportunities: Embrace every chance to learn, whether it’s shadowing a procedure, assisting with patient care, or engaging in discussions. Ask questions and seek clarity whenever necessary.
2. Time Management: With limited time in your role, it’s crucial to manage your schedule efficiently. Prioritize tasks and be proactive in seeking learning opportunities.
3. Build Relationships: Networking is key. Connect with mentors, peers, and other professionals. These relationships can offer guidance and may lead to future opportunities.
4. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to different situations. Each day can bring new challenges, so flexibility and a positive attitude are essential.
5. Seek Feedback: Regular feedback is invaluable for your growth. Don’t hesitate to ask for constructive feedback on your performance and how you can improve.
6. Record and Reflect: Keep a journal of your experiences and learnings. This can be a valuable resource for reflecting on your growth and identifying areas for further development.
7. Professionalism: Always maintain a high level of professionalism in your interactions and work. This sets the tone for how you are perceived and can impact your learning experience.
8. Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself. Balancing learning with rest and relaxation is important for your overall well-being.
9. Explore Specialties: Use this opportunity to explore different areas of veterinary medicine. It’s a chance to discover what specialties might interest you for future career paths.
10. Enjoy the Journey: Lastly, enjoy your time as a visiting or summer student. This is a unique experience that can shape your future career in veterinary medicine.

This guidance aims to help you navigate your journey as a visiting or summer student in the veterinary field. Embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and an open mind!

Experiencing legal trouble, such as being sued, can be a daunting and stressful part of a veterinary career. Here’s how to navigate these challenges:

1. Stay Calm and Collected: It’s natural to feel a range of emotions. Acknowledge them, but strive to remain calm. This mindset will help you think clearly and make informed decisions.
2. Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: As soon as you are aware of legal action, consult with a lawyer who specializes in civil litigation or malpractice law. They will guide you through the process and represent your interests.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your professional liability insurance provider as they may offer resources, support, and representation depending on your policy.
4. Confidentiality is Key: Keep the details of the case confidential. Discuss the situation only with your legal counsel and those directly involved in your defence.
5. Document Everything: Ensure all records related to the case are complete, organized, and easily accessible. Your documentation can be a vital asset in your defence.
6. Avoid Direct Contact: Do not contact the complainant directly once legal proceedings have begun. All communication should go through your lawyer.
7. Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with the legal process. Your lawyer can explain the steps involved and what to expect, reducing uncertainty and stress.
8. Seek Support: Lean on your support network. This can include colleagues, mentors, family, and friends. Consider professional counselling to help manage the emotional toll.
9. Focus on Wellness: Continue to prioritize your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that reduce stress and provide a respite from legal worries.
10. Learn from the Experience: Reflect on the situation and consider what can be learned. Use this experience to inform your future practice and reduce the risk of future legal issues.
11. Professional Reputation Management: Work with your legal and professional advisors on managing the impact on your professional reputation. It’s important to handle this aspect proactively and sensitively.

Remember, facing legal action does not define you or your abilities as a veterinarian. Many professionals encounter such challenges and emerge stronger and wiser. Stay focused, seek appropriate support, and maintain your commitment to the highest standards of veterinary practice.

Please see document in Alinity for MVMA Members.

Authors and members of the Wellness Committee (none of whom are licensed mental healthcare providers):

• Dr. Judy Hodge, BSc, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
• Jennifer Meub, RVT
• Dr. Terry Whiting, DVM
• Corey Wilson, MVMA Executive Director/Registrar
• Theresa Collins-Nelson, 20/20 Consulting
• Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell, DVM
• Michelle Kusano, MVMA Staff
• Thank you to Dr. Kathy Keil, DVM, for your support.

Questions, comments, additions, or corrections? Please contact mvmainfo@mvma.ca.