Flexible working. It's a phrase that's gone from a nice-to-have to a must-consider in today’s job market- especially in veterinary practices, where retention, wellbeing, and work-life balance are more important than ever.

With the introduction of the Employee Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, employees now have a day-one right to request flexible working. And it's not just about remote work anymore- it's about adapting working hours, shift patterns, job shares, compressed hours and more. For employers, it’s a chance to lead the charge on modern, compassionate workplace culture.

But how do practices actually make it work?

Why Flexibility Matters in Veterinary Medicine:

Veterinary professionals are passionate, hardworking, and often juggling long hours in emotionally demanding environments. Flexibility can be the key to retaining top talent, reducing burnout, and offering career longevity.

We’re hearing more and more from candidates that flexibility isn’t just a perk- it’s a deciding factor. In fact, a 2021 BVA Survey found that 50% of respondents wanted more time for leisure activities, highlighting just how important work-life balance has become.

At The Webinar Vet Jobs, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in practices highlighting their flexible rota options, part-time roles, and family-friendly hours. These adverts consistently attract more interest.

It’s no longer a niche offering- it’s becoming an expectation.

What Flexible Working Can Look Like:

• A returning vet regaining confidence through phased hours and flexible duties

• Job-sharing a full time role between two part time employees

• Longer shifts across fewer days to give team members extended time off

• “Core hours” rotas that guarantee coverage while allowing for flexibility outside that window

It doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. And it doesn’t have to be complicated- especially when you’ve got the right support in place.

Tools to Help You Get There:

If you’re wondering how to take the first step, Flexee has just launched an innovative solution designed specifically for veterinary practices. Created by veterinary professionals for the industry, the Flexee Accreditation Scheme is designed to support you in making flexible working a reality in your practice.

What’s Included?

• A CPD course on the Foundational Practices & Principles of flexible working

• Video case studies featuring real-life insights and success stories from veterinary teams

• A clear framework to evaluate your current working culture- how team-friendly is your practice?

Celebrate Your Progress:
Work towards Bronze, Silver, Gold, or even Platinum Accreditation, and proudly display your commitment with Flexee badges- perfect for showcasing your commitment when recruiting new talent and motivating your current team. At just £40 per month, it’s a small investment with the potential for a big return- especially when you consider the cost of staff turnover.

Ready to Make the Shift?

Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising on standards or disrupting schedules. It means designing smarter, more inclusive ways of working that suit modern lives.

With platforms like The Webinar Vet Jobs promoting flexible opportunities and initiatives like Flexee’s accreditation scheme, the tools are already here.

If you're a practice leader wondering how to attract and retain your team, flexibility could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. And if you’re a job seeker, know that there arepractices out there who value your time, your wellbeing, and your life outside of work.

💻 Visit The Webinar Vet Jobs to discover flexible roles or promote your practice as an employer who truly understands what veterinary professionals need.