AAHA, Coffman Organization announce partnership to improve veterinary practice cultures

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and management consulting firm, The Coffman Organization (TCO), have announced a collaboration to study and build stronger, healthier workplaces within the veterinary profession.

The mission-oriented and often emotionally taxing work conducted by veterinary healthcare providers presents unique challenges that can lead to difficult work environments and a multitude of mental health conditions. This partnership represents the next phase of AAHA’s Healthy Workplace Culture Initiative, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals and optimize workplace cultures found in animal hospitals.

“We all live complicated lives and we all spend a great deal of time at work,” said AAHA Chief Executive Officer Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (Emeritus). “Wouldn’t it be nice if work could become a refuge from our crazy lives and lift us up rather than drive us down?”

 A key component of the initiative is TCO’s revolutionary approach to measuring and building employee engagement in real time. Called the NEXUS Experience™, the program goes beyond standard measurement practices to give managers the data they need to improve workplace culture.

“Animal health providers are driven by a heartfelt purpose and having a culture that is built around wellbeing takes both efficiency and business success to a new level,” said TCO founding partner and Chief Science Officer, Curt Coffman.

In addition to the NEXUS Experience, Coffman will provide program participants access to educational articles, training, and videos focused on strengthening organizational culture. He will also deliver a keynote address to guests of AAHA’s Connexity conference in Denver this September. The term “connexity” means community and connection merging as one. At a time when many in the veterinary profession are suffering from feelings of isolation and disconnection, Connexity aims to bring colleagues together and provide meaning behind what veterinary professionals do every day.

Both AAHA and TCO are committed to bringing meaningful and lasting improvement to veterinary workplace culture and enhancing the overall wellbeing of veterinary healthcare providers.

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