Health matters – Movement, mind and community in your veterinary practice

Your veterinary practice improves the health of animals every day. But what about the people that work at your practice? Stress and burn-out are common problems within the industry. Fortunately, you can improve the health and well-being of staff through your veterinary design and fit-out, which will also contribute to staff morale, motivation and creating a Fear Free practice. Evoke Projects explains more.

WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard™ version 2 (WELL v2™) aims to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being. There are ten concepts:

• Air
• Water
• Nourishment
• Light
• Movement
• Mind
• Community
• Thermal Comfort
• Sound
• Materials

For WELL certification, there are preconditions and optional pathways/optimisations for each concept. Even if certification is not an option right now, you can take steps towards a healthier and more ‘well’ veterinary practice.

This article focuses on Movement, Mind and Community with tips for incorporating these into your veterinary practice design.

Move up a gear

The WELL Movement concept aims to promote movement, foster physical activity and active living while discouraging sedentary behaviour.

There are two preconditions:

• Active Buildings and Communities – Facilitate all types of movement and reduce sedentary behaviour through your veterinary design and fit-out.
• Ergonomic Workstation Design – This includes visual ergonomics (e.g. adjustable monitors), height adjustable work surfaces, adjustable chairs, support for standing workers (e.g. anti-fatigue mats) and training on using the ergonomic features.

While some of the options under the Movement concept require a new veterinary fit-out, you can incorporate many positive changes with smaller investments:

• Active Furnishings – Provide sit-stand desks or activity (treadmill/bicycle) workstations.
• Ergonomics Programming – A qualified professional ergonomist (also known in Australia as a human factors specialist) conducts analysis to identify job-related tasks and deliver training. They can work with you to implement comprehensive ergonomics programming with advice for on-going improvements to ergonomic design.
• Physical Activity Spaces and Equipment/Physical Activity Opportunities – Gym memberships can be expensive so employer-provided space and equipment will be very welcome and promote more physical activity and staff loyalty. If space does not permit within the practice, or you have a small workforce, collaborate with other local employers to make it happen!
• Physical Activity Promotion – Design, implement and monitor movement incentive programs. This could include flexible hours to fit in with exercise preferences, gym subsidies or prizes for meeting movement goals.
• Self-Monitoring – Promote self-awareness of personal health through free or subsidised wearable technology that measures physical activity and sleep.

If a new veterinary fit-out is on the cards, consider:

• Facilities for Active Occupants – Showers, bike racks and lockers. Staff are more likely to commute (rather than drive) if end-of-trip facilities allow them to freshen up before their workday.
• Circulation Network – Encourage stair use through better veterinary design, signage and visibility.
• Site Planning and Selection – If you are looking for a new site, choose one that facilitates walking and use of public transport.

Peace of mind

The WELL Mind concept aims to support cognitive and emotional health through prevention and treatment efforts. This concept will also contribute to creating a Fear Free Practice.

Mental Health Promotion is vital for staff well-being. Achieve this via education, mindfulness programs, healthy working company policies and spaces for relaxation.

WELL’s Nature and Place feature requires the integration of nature. Natural light (beneficial to animals too), views, plants, artwork and water features will promote nature in your veterinary practice. Providing a connection to place creates a workplace with meaning. Build a story around your business. Celebrate the culture of the community, or design your veterinary practice with a nod to local history.

Community spirit

The WELL Community aims to address health disparities and promote social diversity and inclusion.

If you are just starting your journey towards a well practice, publish a document stating your aims and intentions towards improving the physical environment for your staff. This will improve staff morale and show that you are serious about making a difference.

Emergency Preparedness requires risk assessment and planning for natural, technological and other emergencies. The last few years in Australia have taught us how important this is for all businesses.

Occupant Surveys are an important part of any wellness initiative.

Civic Engagement will bring colleagues together to engage in worthwhile charities and local community projects.

Staff wellness spreads far and wide

Movement, mind and community play an important role in wellness in the workplace. Staff who are feeling physically and mentally healthy will radiate energy and motivation. This positive atmosphere will relax customers and animals, contributing to a Fear Free practice. Your practice will also reap the benefits of lower staff absenteeism, a happy workplace environment and lower staff turnover.

A veterinary fit-out company can help you optimise your practice for wellness. Please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692 for more information.