Can a Veterinary Clinic Work a 4 Day Week? A Case Study of Kronobäck’s Veterinary Clinic in Sweden
How a vet clinic reducing their work-time to a 4 day work week
This case study was originally published on LinkedIn in Swedish by our Swedish partner, PaceLab, who are working as a National Partner for 4 Day Week Global in Sweden.
Ida Wallin is a registered animal nurse, owner and CEO of Kronobäck's Veterinary Clinic. She had worked in the veterinary industry for more than 20 years when she decided to start her own business. The team works to take care of small animals, i.e. dogs, cats and other small pets - with the same salary, but now 4 days a week.
Why they decided to trial a 4 day week in their vet clinic
Ida knew that the veterinary industry had a work environment problem. Many are on sick leave. 66% work overtime more than 5 hours a week.
“We could see deterioration in the working environment when large investment companies bought up veterinary clinics”, says Ida. “It was as if some of the heart in the industry was lost. We no longer had fun at work.”
The working environment experienced more and more pressure with high absence rates. As a result, it became more difficult to recruit new vets and vet nurses into the industry.
The problems they wanted to address with the 4 day week
“I felt that when I started my own business, I wanted to offer something innovative to ensure that I don’t end up in this same situation”, says Ida. “I wanted to focus more on the staff, who are the heart of the business.”
She also reflected on the fact that a lot of those who work in the veterinary industry choose to work part-time due to the high-demand nature of the job.
“This industry has the largest number of part-time workers. Many choose to work 80% percent to cope with the overtime.”
She researched to see what could be done to bring back the joy, both among the staff and for customers.
“I thought about shortening working hours. I thought that it could be tricky to work only 6 hours. There’s always the possibility that you may have to work overtime because emergencies can arise at any time”, says Ida.
The alternative was a 4 day week. She set it as a goal and did the research.
Transitioning to a 4 day work week in the veterinary industry
At the end of 2019, Ida's clinic was in a strong position. As she wanted to focus on creating a positive work environment, she set herself the goal of adopting a 4 day work week.
To put pressure on herself, she started telling new employees during recruitment that they would soon be moving to a 4 day work week. At the end of 2021, she had 11 employees.
In January 2022, the clinic adopted a 4 day week, both for veterinarians and nurses.
The vet clinic’s reasons for adopting a 4 day week
“I knew that we could recruit better than our competitors and be able to offer employees the joy of work that so many had lost. Many colleagues have left the industry. You love your job but have realized that you can no longer work in the profession.”
“It's a bit like regular healthcare. You never completely get rid of stress. But we’re working actively on recovery.”
How the 4 day week impacted recruitment for this organization
“From a purely scheduling standpoint, with 22 employees across two units, it was a bit tricky. But I realized that with smarter recruiting, certain care won't have to fall on a single person.”
There is a large shortage of veterinarians and nurses in the country and has been for a long period. Ida knows of many clinics that have had to close down parts of their operations because they could not find staff.
“I haven't had that problem”, says Ida. “The 4 day week has really been an asset in recruitment.”
She hasn't spent a single penny on recruitment, hasn't had a single sick leave and has a sick pay percentage of 1% since adopting the 4 day work week schedule.
Financial benefits for this organization who adopted a 4 day work week
In four years, turnover has increased from SEK 4 M to SEK 20 M.
“It has grown quickly and I have hired a lot more people.” says Ida. “Which is unusual in the industry. The big giants are pressuring the government to increase the number of places at the various universities.”
“It is us small and medium-sized companies that have to show the way”, says Ida. “The industry is losing people due to stress. The key is not to think only financially.”
Thanks to, among other things, the 4 day week, she has happy and healthy staff, who enjoy their work.
“I feel it”, she says. “The customers notice the positive atmosphere we have and often mention it.”
The 4 day week is the future of work for this veterinary clinic
Ida believes that the company's success has everything to do with the well-being of the staff. She believes that the 4 day week is a necessity for the industry.
According to Ida, the four-day week is here to stay. “I can put my right arm on this being the future”, she says.
She believes that the 4 day week would be a great advantage to those working in caring professions.
“In order to get more people to want to work in these necessary professions, we need to give them an advantage. Young people do not want to train for the health professions today. They have no desire to live like that when they see the pressured work environment these professions have. But if you give them a chance for a good recovery, there is a chance that they will come and stay in the profession.”
Her advice on how to approach a 4 day work week trial
Her tip is to see the 4 day week as a project. Test it first to see whether it is something that works in your own business.
“It will work for everyone, as long as you have the right attitude. When you see the results in your staff, you won't want to go back.”
Next step for organizations looking to work a 4 day week
The success of the 4 day week trial at this veterinary clinic highlights the potential for other organizations within the caring profession to adopt this progressive approach to work.
By prioritizing employee wellbeing and embracing flexibility, caring professionals can create a more supportive and sustainable work environment and therefore unlock a trend in positive business growth.
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