CM Research, the veterinary market research company, has released the results of a survey which suggests that staffing and HR issues are becoming an increasing challenge for the profession.CM Research, the veterinary market research company, has released the results of a survey which suggests that staffing and HR issues are becoming an increasing challenge for the profession.

629 veterinary surgeons picked from 12 answers to the following question: "What would you say are the biggest challenges facing your vet practice at the moment?"

The biggest challenge, voted for by 42% of respondents, was 'Clients unable to pay their bills'. However, only marginally behind in second place (up significantly from fifth place the previous year), was 'Managing and retaining staff' (41%).

The full results were:

  1. Clients unable to pay their bills (42%)
  2. Managing and retaining staff (41%)
  3. Competition from internet pharmacies (39%)
  4. Competition from other practices (39%)
  5. Getting clients to follow our recommendations (33%)
  6. Unhappy staff (33%)
  7. Bad management/Bad boss (27%)
  8. Increased cost of products/medications (27%)
  9. Obesity and other pet diseases (26%)
  10. Getting new clients (22%)
  11. Antibiotic resistance (11%)
  12. Other (5%)
  13. Dealing with suppliers (2%)

Coincidentally, VetSurgeon.org also carried out some research recently which explored what candidates look for in an ideal job - one of the keys to staff retention and good employer / employee relationships. You can download the report here.

When vets were asked to predict what they thought the future held for the profession, key themes included more corporatisation, more specialisation and the Internet having a still greater impact on business, both in terms of competition and clients consulting Dr Google:

  1. More corporate/chains (89%)
  2. Increased specialization (89%)
  3. More competition from online pharmacies (68%)
  4. The increased cost of treatment (64%)
  5. Growing influence of the Internet (61%)
  6. Customers that think they know best … (58%)
  7. More competition/more vets (53%)
  8. Better diagnostics (51%)
  9. Patients relying more on the internet (50%)
  10. More difficult to make a living (47%)
  11. Increased use of insurance products (35%)
  12. Larger clinics being the norm (34%)
  13. Focusing more on preventative health care (34%)
  14. Focusing more on client service (31%)
  15. Natural treatments becoming more common (14%)
  16. Veterinary profession being discredited (10%)
  17. Other (3%)

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.