[Work design approach to reduce stressors in small veterinary practices]

Given the increasing shortage of skilled workers, working conditions in the veterinary sector are of central importance for the motivation and satisfaction of employees. Solutions to reduce stressors are important to keep skilled workers in their jobs in the long term and to counteract migration out of clinical work. An innovative approach to work design was developed as part of a master's thesis. The thesis was based on qualitative studies and structured according to defined characteristics, which can help to reduce stressors in small veterinary practices. The study aimed to develop an understanding of specific challenges in veterinary practices, as comparable research literature for the veterinary sector in Switzerland is limited. The theoretical basis of the work was based on findings from the human healthcare sector, which has similar problems. The qualitative data was collected through seven guided expert interviews, the transcripts were analyzed using Mayring's method. The resulting recommendation of this study can serve as a guideline for veterinary practices and aim to improve working conditions promoting employee satisfaction. The results not only contribute to the theoretical foundation in the area of work design, but also provide concrete impulses for small veterinary practices to increase their attractiveness and employee satisfaction.