When it comes to appreciation, think outside of the box. Often we rely on gift cards, or bonuses, and overlook the value of encouraging someone’s physical or mental wellness. Explore solutions, that are within the same budget as the “standard” appreciation gifts, that focus on that person’s wellness. It may take a little digging for information, but something like a massage gift certificate can resonate more than a gift card. If you want to do a gift card, consider one to a nice restaurant rather than Amazon or the gas station. Lastly, check with local massage schools. COVID may impact this, but many massage therapy schools require clinical hours for their students. These massages are typically low-to-no cost. Imagine announcing to the team that some masseuse students will be coming in and giving complimentary (low cost could be taken care of by industry partners) 15 minute chair massages, in addition to the standard lunch they get. Thinking outside of the box can make your practice stand out in the difficult area of staff appreciation.

For Vet Tech Week, regardless of how you approach it – whether it is strictly for your credentialed team members or the week is expanded to include the entire team, the most successful efforts start with mindset. If you go into the week with the idea that your team is going to fall all over themselves in joy and gratitude for your efforts, you are missing an important point. Showing appreciation should come with no strings attached. Your team has already worked hard, they deserve a well-intentioned pat on the back recognizing their efforts without putting an emotional burden back on them.

General tips:
 Customization for individual preferences is a great way to to show you are paying attention and that you have really gotten to know your team. If time is running short, there are still ways to show you care with a little thought.

VetSupport’s Top Picks (we don’t endorse any particular sellar, these product ideas are just cute/fun):

• Strange Planet – a variety of fun items: Teams tend to love catchy, fun, veterinary-specific useful items. This checks all the boxes.
• Bottle Opener: What better way to show appreciation than to say it “like it is.”
• Cosmetic Bag: These are super-cute and useful. They can be stuffed with gift-cards, bandage scissors (like these pretty ones!), gum, pens or any combination.
• The Wellness Journal for Veterinary Team Members

For Boss’s Day: The Work-Life Balance Daily Planner for Veterinarians

Celebrate Boss’s Day by gifting the DVM’s at your practice our 90-day Work-Life Balance Daily Planner for Veterinarians! While the veterinarians within your practice might not view themselves as “bosses”, they are certainly leaders within the practice and the appreciation shown will go a long way. This daily planner has been designed to keep veterinarians on track, form healthy habits, all while improving their ability to manage their daily caseload.