A practice manager struggles with managing a PTO policy that leads to team members overusing their time off early in the year. In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and practice management super nerd, Stephanie Goss help a practice manager having a hard time balancing their team's use of paid time off (PTO). The manager explains that they simplified PTO, lumping sick days and vacation time together to give their staff more autonomy. However, it’s backfired, leaving them frustrated as team members are either taking too much time off or asking for guidance on whether they should come in sick. Andy and Stephanie offer practical advice on how to set clear guidelines while maintaining a positive culture, how to establish boundaries without micromanaging, and how to approach the situation without becoming the "PTO villain." Let’s get into this episode!

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Office Hours

Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.

Join Dr. Andy Roark for Office Hours at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!

Uncharted Practice Owner Summit at NAVC SkillShop

Owning a veterinary practice comes with challenges no one teaches you in school. The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit, hosted at NAVC SkillShop in Orlando, is a hands-on leadership workshop designed to help owners strengthen their teams, improve operations, and make confident business decisions. This small-group, working session focuses on real-world tools and honest conversations, not passive lectures.

Register for The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit Today!