In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a deceptively simple question: what actually keeps people engaged at work?

Grounded in research on positive leadership, workplace climate, and employee engagement, this conversation unpacks how the everyday interactions between people shape motivation, burnout, and the decision to stay—or leave. Because it turns out that engagement is not something people bring with them to work each day. It is something that is continuously influenced by the culture around them.

From recognition and communication to connection and purpose, this episode highlights how workplace climate is built one interaction at a time. And while leaders certainly play a role, the findings suggest that creating an engaging workplace is not reserved for those with titles—everyone contributes to the environment people experience each day.

You’ll hear:
• What the research reveals about the relationship between workplace climate, burnout, and engagement
• Why motivation is often a cultural outcome rather than an individual responsibility
• How small moments of recognition, connection, and support shape the employee experience
• The concept of relational reserves and why strong workplace relationships matter during difficult times
• Practical ways every member of the veterinary team can help create a workplace people want to be part of

Whether you are leading a team, supporting your coworkers, or simply trying to make work a little better for the people around you, this episode offers an evidence-based and hopeful perspective on what keeps people engaged—and how culture influences that more than we might think.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Self-Determination Theory and Workplace Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis 

Authors:Martin S. Hagger & Kaylyn McAnally Star 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.70151

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership

Florida Man This Week - Scuba

“Lead To Thrive” by: Josh Vaisman

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps:

03:01 Meaningful Work Not Enough

08:30 Self Determination Theory Paper

11:15 Core Needs Explained

13:17 Meta Analysis Findings

15:16 Takeaway Purpose Limits

19:25 Takeaway Pressure Costs

27:03 Takeaway Leaders Matter

28:40 Action Steps for Leaders

30:50 Auditing Needs in Decisions

33:51 Andi Adds Feedback Loops

36:40 Key Lesson Recap

38:47 Florida Man

 Headed to WVC Nashville this August? We'd LOVE to meet you! Andi will be speaking August 16 & 17, and Josh will be there too. Stop by a session and introduce yourself - we always love meeting members of the Veterinary Culture Lab community. Grab your boots, bring your curiosity, and come say hello!