The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has launched a new course designed to emphasise the important role civility plays in shaping a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace, which is underpinned by Aberdeen research.
Civility fundamentals, a new course developed under the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative, explores ways to create a civil workplace, where respect and clear, active communication are essential, leading to positive outcomes for individuals, teams, clients, and patients alike.
It builds on a guide created by Dr Amy Irwin, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, at the University of Aberdeen, to provide veterinary staff with information and support on managing rudeness from clients and colleagues.
Research conducted by Dr Amy Irwin and her team has consistently found that rudeness from clients and co-workers can have negative, and long-lasting effects for veterinary staff. This can include reduced job satisfaction, reduced wellbeing, increased risk of burnout and increased quitting intention – leading some veterinary staff to exit the profession.
The RCVS also emphasises that incivility not only affects the mental wellbeing of those on the receiving end, but it can also jeopardise patient safety and that in a field where dedication and teamwork are essential, fostering a respectful and supportive environment is invaluable.
Civility fundamentals provides awareness of what civility and incivility look like and practical tools and insights to help veterinary surgeons, nurses, students and the entire veterinary team build a culture of respect and understanding. The course includes content specific for leaders and managers to consider how they can foster civil workplace cultures.
Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) Lead Rapinder Newton said: “We know from research that incivility may lead to errors and compromise patient safety. We also know that experiencing incivility impacts mental health and is associated with deceased job satisfaction.
“This course has been designed to help tackle incivility, and give the veterinary community the skills, knowledge and confidence to not only tackle incivility but also create positive and civil workplace cultures.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to Dr Amy Irwin, the University of Aberdeen and the contributors to the ‘Keeping it Civil’ Guide, who have allowed us to build on their work, and spread awareness of this very important topic.
“We’d encourage those who complete the course to raise awareness of the training in their workplaces.”
Dr Amy Irwin added: “I am thrilled to see the content from our guide, which was a collaboration between academics and veterinary professionals, being applied in such a fantastic course.
“Experiencing incivility at work can lead to a range of adverse effects, including increased stress and risk of burnout. This course will help veterinary staff recognise and manage incivility, with associated benefits for staff well-being.”