For National Vet Tech Week 2024 (October 13–19), superficial gestures, like food and branded merchandise, are unlikely to make your technicians feel appreciated. This year, more than ever, practice owners and managers should focus on providing tangible support to help vet techs improve their lives and advance their careers. Here are some ideas for meaningful ways to show appreciation to your team.

1. Give Your Vet Techs a Voice

Vet techs are the backbone of the practice, so it stands to reason they should have some input in practice decisions and workings. Their valuable insights and ideas should be heard and acknowledged.

As such, veterinary practice leaders should regularly solicit technician input and create a safe place where team members can share their thoughts and opinions. For Vet Tech Week this year, let your technicians know their voices matter.

2. Implement Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility is one of the most desired benefits veterinary professionals look for in a job. With practices overwhelmed and techs often working long hours, burnout looms large. Vet techs must be able to balance their work and personal lives to sustain a long-term career, but a practice that enforces a hard and fast shift schedule may challenge that balance.

For Vet Tech Week 2024, consider scheduling work around personal obligations or preferences. Simple accommodations, such as staggered shifts, remote work, half-days, four-day weeks, or occasional early departures, can make a big difference.

3. Focus on Career Development

Investing in your technicians' long-term career development shows you care about them in a personal and professional capacity. Techs who stagnate and can't see a path forward often leave the profession entirely. Ask your veterinary technicians about their goals and interests, and then, allow them to pursue continuing education that brings those goals closer. As a result, not only will their career be more fulfilling, but their expanded skill set will also benefit the practice.

4. Create Opportunities

Vet techs are highly trained professionals, and many will take on more responsibilities if given the chance. In time, the advanced training and career development may naturally progress to a new role.

Management may seem like the next step, but that's not for everyone. Rather, consider other opportunities that will encourage growth, such as a shift leader, mentor, or trainer. You can also consider advanced skill-based positions in behavior, dentistry, imaging, and more.

5. Make Their Jobs Easier

Vet techs handle a lengthy list of responsibilities and have their hands in nearly every department. Outdated or inefficient equipment can add to an already heavy workload and prevent your team from getting home on time. This being the case, consider investing in technology or tools that will streamline practice operations and make your vet techs' jobs and lives easier. Solutions like automation, AI transcription, digital communications, and upgraded equipment can minimize daily frustrations.

6. Elevate Public Perceptions

Vet techs want nothing more than public and professional respect. Use social media, newsletters, or a bulletin board to educate the public on all that your technician team does and showcase their hard work and education. Then, consider highlighting each technician individually to ensure your clientele knows what rock stars they truly are.

Sharing case studies and specific examples can help, too—clients will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look that shows them everything technicians do on a regular basis.

7. Make a Long-Term Commitment

Vet Tech Week is a reminder to acknowledge the team that keeps your practice running, but don't let your appreciation end after the week is over. Showing genuine appreciation and providing a sustainable work environment requires a long-term commitment. Appropriate technician utilization, schedule flexibility, reasonable pay, and career goal support should be included in every vet tech job description and adhered to year-round.

National Vet Tech Week is the perfect opportunity for veterinary practices to move beyond the superficial and implement real, meaningful changes that will improve their veterinary technicians' lives. Vet techs are essential to practice success, and your practice and the profession will benefit when they feel valued and supported. Tap into what your team truly wants and make Vet Tech Week 2024 the start of more rewarding careers for your vet techs.