When you find yourself in the management role, no one tells you that a large part of it is helping our teams manage their stress. Yes, this means the stress they feel while at work, but stress is not easily compartmentalized and our teams are bringing stress from home into the workplace. What can we do as managers to help the team deal with stress, ensure their wellbeing, and cultivate a positive practice culture?

Today’s guest is Leah Parris, one of 2022’s VHMA Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship recipients and Practice Manager at Loving Hands Animal Clinic in Georgia. Leah began her career 15 years ago as a technician and has worked her way into management. In addition, Leah is a certified compassion fatigue professional and makes it clear that she is concerned about the wellbeing and happiness of her staff. In this episode, Leah shares ways that she does just that and tips on providing the safe space your team needs to deal with various stressors in this field.

Show Notes:

[2:23] - Team stress impacts the whole practice. It has a domino effect.

[4:01] - When home life is stressful, it can be hard to separate how we feel when we’re at work.

[5:02] - Stress is inevitably taken home from work as well.

[6:13] - Validating someone’s stress is the first important step.

[7:15] - Managers are not mental health professionals but can and should direct concerns to someone who can help.

[8:36] - Sometimes a moment to vent is all someone needs. Leah has check-ins with her team to offer a listening ear.

[10:51] - There may be simple fixes to some stressful situations.

[12:12] - Teams can support each other as well and sometimes that is as simple as acknowledgement and validation.

[14:20] - Verbalizing why we love the job and our appreciation for team members can help take the edge off the stress.

[16:01] - There’s a balance in talking about the stress and acknowledging it.

[17:01] - Incorporating fun and light activities can remind us why we love the job.

[18:32] - The reality is that pay can sometimes not be changed. We can find other ways to show appreciation.

[19:51] - There’s no approach to stress relief if we don’t address the problem.

[21:04] - The pandemic has increased stress for clinic staff and clients.

[22:31] - When it comes to personal stress, find things that help relieve the stress you have.

[23:56] - You should not ever vent to your staff.

[25:14] - Be mindful and acknowledge the reasons for the stress.

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

Links and Resources:

• VHMA Web Page

• VHMA Coronavirus Resources
• VHMA Facebook
• VHMA Twitter
• VHMA on Linkedin
• Leah Parris on LinkedIn
• Loving Hands Animal Clinic Website