When Did We Start Accepting Workplace Abuse as Normal?

When Did It Become Acceptable to Disrespect Employees?

Recently, a former coworker reached out to catch up. As we talked, I asked how her new job was going. That's when she shared something that left me frustrated....not because it was shocking, but because it has become far too common.

She told me that her now former employer would routinely scream at her, speak to her in a demeaning manner, and use profanity when communicating with staff. Eventually, she advocated for herself and respectfully asked not to be spoken to in an unprofessional way.

The next day, she was fired.

Let that sink in for a moment.

A professional employee set a reasonable boundary and requested basic respect. The response was termination.

There are so many things wrong with this situation that it's difficult to know where to begin. What I struggle with most is understanding how anyone in a position of leadership could believe this behavior is acceptable. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Throughout my career, I have personally known individuals who have endured verbal abuse from employers, managers, doctors, and supervisors.

Then we ask why mental health in veterinary medicine is suffering.

We talk about burnout. We talk about compassion fatigue. We talk about staff shortages and retention struggles. Yet sometimes we fail to acknowledge the impact that toxic workplace behavior has on the people who show up every day to care for animals and support their teams.

Let's be clear: being someone's boss does not give you permission to humiliate them.

Being a veterinarian does not give you permission to scream at employees.

Holding a management title does not excuse abusive behavior.

Leadership is not measured by authority. It is measured by how you treat people, especially during difficult situations.

Can we all agree that workplace verbal abuse is not okay?

More importantly, what can we do about it?

If you are experiencing this type of behavior, advocate for yourself when it is safe to do so. You do not have to tolerate inappropriate communication simply because it comes from someone with authority.

Report the behavior to a manager, hospital administrator, medical director, human resources representative, or another trusted leader within the organization. Document incidents as they occur. Record dates, times, witnesses, and exactly what was said. Save emails, text messages, or other communications when appropriate.

Documentation creates accountability.

And for those in leadership positions, remember that culture starts at the top. Employees rarely leave because the work is hard. More often, they leave because they are tired of being disrespected while doing it.

The veterinary profession is demanding enough. We face emotional cases, difficult decisions, financial pressures, and long hours. The workplace itself should not become another source of trauma.

Respect should not be considered a perk of employment.

It should be the minimum standard.

If we truly want to improve mental health in veterinary medicine, reduce burnout, and retain talented professionals, we must stop normalizing toxic behavior and start holding leaders accountable for how they treat their teams.

Because no employee should have to choose between earning a paycheck and being treated with basic human dignity.

Before I close, I'd like to ask something of all of us.

Can we collectively agree to treat ourselves.....and each other....better?

Veterinary medicine is challenging enough without adding disrespect, intimidation, or hostility to the workplace. We spend our days caring for animals, supporting clients through difficult moments, and carrying emotional burdens that many people never see. We need to extend that same compassion to the people standing beside us.

Take care of your teammates. Check in on one another. Lead with kindness. Hold each other accountable, but never forget the human being on the other side of the conversation.

This is something I am deeply passionate about!!! My team, my colleagues, and the veterinary community as a whole. We all deserve workplaces where respect is the standard, not the exception.

If we want a healthier profession, it starts with how we treat each other.

Practical tips, honest insights, and gentle support for veterinary professionals navigating the realities of clinic life.

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