| Abstract [eng] |
Occupational burnout syndrome has become a significant problem in the modern work environment, particularly affecting employees in the veterinary medicine sector. Research indicates that veterinarians face one of the highest risks of burnout, depression, and suicide compared to other professions. Studies conducted in the United States show that more than half of veterinarians experience burnout, and their suicide risk is 2–3 times higher than that of the general population. Risk factors include chronic stress, workplace conflicts, euthanasia procedures, easy access to lethal medications, a heavy workload disproportionate to salary, and societal pressure. Furthermore, empathy and strong emotional involvement in the lives of animals and their owners often lead to compassion fatigue and loss of motivation. In the Baltic States, this issue remains largely unexplored; however, professional practice suggests similar trends. With limited mental health resources, intensive work pace, and market growth, veterinarians in this region are also at risk of emotional exhaustion. To achieve more effective prevention, systematic research on burnout in veterinary practice and the implementation of targeted interventions are essential. Key findings of the study. The qualitative study revealed that burnout among veterinary medicine sector employees in the Baltic States is predominantly driven by organizational factors – excessive workload, demanding busy schedules, imbalance between workload and salary, and a toxic work environment. Professional factors such as client conflicts, work schedules, complex clinical cases, and ethical challenges (e.g., euthanasia) also emerged as highly significant, while individual factors (perfectionism, empathy, psycho-emotional health) were less prominent. Country specific differences were also observed: in Lithuania, greater emphasis was placed on internal workplace factors such as team incompatibility, monotony, and material working conditions. In Latvia, the mismatch between workload and salary, as well as toxic work environments, were strongly highlighted. In Estonia, in addition to common factors, social environment aspects were emphasized more prominently. Regarding burnout manifestations, emotional exhaustion (e.g., fatigue, deteriorating emotional state, inadequate behavior) was the most frequent. Depersonalization (e.g., cynicism, apathy) appeared more strongly in responses from Latvian participants, while reduced personal accomplishment (e.g., loss of motivation, doubts about career choice) was more pronounced in the Lithuanian context. |
