We are delighted that Annika will be speaking in Austin, Texas as part of our US summit. We caught up with her to see how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Annika, we are thrilled that you will be speaking at the Wellbeing at Work US Summit in March. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today??
Excellent! Super excited about this opportunity!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
The veterinary medicine industry is somewhat unique as it poses a multitude of stressors that affect our team members. Veterinary medicine has the second highest suicide rate in the country, and it is our responsibility to address this issue to safeguard our team members. Addressing employee wellbeing in veterinary medicine necessitates recognizing the unique pressures our professionals face, such as compassion fatigue, long working hours, and the emotional toll of patient care. Research indicates that veterinarians are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can lead to suicidal ideation.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
We proudly partner with Lyra to provide fast, personalized care. Our wellbeing strategy covers social, financial, physical, emotional, and career aspects. It includes workshops, resources, and initiatives to promote overall wellbeing. We emphasize mental health, counseling access, work-life balance, and a supportive environment for discussing challenges. Our goal is to create a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to seek help when needed.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Prioritizing holistic wellbeing is vital in today’s unpredictable world. By tackling work stress and focusing on our physical, career, emotional, financial, and social health, we can thrive. As a working mom, I transformed my life by prioritizing my own wellbeing, achieving a better work-life balance and enhanced health. I want to share the gift of knowing that everyone has the power to make meaningful changes and reclaim their life.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
We are actively investigating how we can leverage AI to make our processes more efficient!
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
I believe it is increasing; we see a direct correlation between our increased wellbeing efforts and initiatives, engagement, and performance.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Making the connection between Wellbeing and Leadership Development; we believe that it is the leader’s responsibility to not only be aware but also involved and accountable for their employee’s wellbeing!
Annika will be speaking in Austin at the Wellbeing at Work Summit US which takes place in New York, Austin Texas and virtually. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
