b'PROFILEHeather: to get right. At this point in my life, having Creating a positive team culture isa role that allows me to spend quality central to keeping everyone motivated.time with my family is really important. We operate a zero-blame policy: ifIve had jobs that involved travelling something doesnt go to plan, weall over the UK, and while they were talk it through together, understandrewarding in many ways, they didnt what happened, and focus on how toleave much room for life outside of improve. We also build in time for internalwork. Now, Ive found a role that keeps conversations and team development,me connected to the profession and including days when were only openmy passions while also giving me the for emergencies. That gives us space toflexibility to work from home, and that reflect, connect, and grow. Everyonesbalance makes all the difference.input matters and we make decisionsHeather:collectively. That sense of sharedWork-life balance has become a major responsibility and mutual respect keepsfactor in how vets choose their roles, the team engaged and focused onand Ive seen that shift firsthand. When delivering the best care possible.I first started, the expectation was Empowering nurses has also been a keyto work long hours, skip lunches, stay focus. With ongoing vet shortages, wevelate and just keep going. That mindset recognised how much more our skilledwas exhausting. Now, every vet in our nursing team can contribute. Their rolepractice has a slightly different working has evolved significantly over the pastpattern that suits their lifestyle, and decade, and I believe that progress willit works really well. For me personally, continue. Its made a real difference tohaving the flexibility to balance my how we work and the quality of care weclinical responsibilities with family life provide. has been essential. Its about recognising What do you feel would most benefitthat were people first and foremost, and job satisfaction in the veterinarywhen thats respected, job satisfaction professions, and how could we worknaturally follows.towards implementing this? James:Work-life balance is a big part of job satisfaction for me, and its been tough 12www.inspiredvet.co.uk'