At Encore Vet Group, we believe that a thriving veterinary team is the foundation of excellent patient care. That’s why we partnered with VetSupport in 2021 and embraced the Compassion-Satisfaction Accredited Workplace (CSAW) Program—a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to fostering mentally and emotionally healthy workplaces in veterinary medicine.
Now, we’re taking the CSAW Program even further with new enhancements based on six core pillars that define a truly supportive veterinary practice.
What is the CSAW Program?
The CSAW Program helps veterinary hospitals cultivate a culture of well-being, resilience, and support for their teams. Through a structured, multi-phase process, practices gain the tools and knowledge needed to make lasting changes in workplace satisfaction and mental health awareness.
Hospitals that meet our criteria receive Compassion-Satisfaction Accreditation, a recognition of their commitment to creating a sustainable, supportive veterinary workplace. If a hospital does not meet our criteria but is committed to learning and growing to improve their workplace and work towards meeting our criteria in the future, they receive Provisional Status.
What’s New? The 6 Pillars of a CSAW-Accredited Workplace
To strengthen the impact of the CSAW Program, we’ve introduced six key pillars that serve as the foundation for accreditation. These pillars ensure that participating hospitals create meaningful, lasting improvements in their workplace culture. Hospitals are evaluated on the 6 key pillars, and are also provided resources and support throughout the program to maintain and improve in each area.
- Empowered Teams – Effective teams are empowered to make decisions, collaborate, and contribute to a supportive environment. In the CSAW program, this pillar is evaluated to ensure that teams have the tools and support they need to feel confident and capable in their roles. As part of the program, we facilitate an Employee Workplace Satisfaction Survey and provide leadership teams with webinars to help enhance team communication, and understanding of industry issues.
- Employee Wellbeing – Employee well-being is central to creating a compassionate and productive workplace. This pillar is evaluated to measure how well the practice addresses the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of its team. Throughout the CSAW program, we offer bi-monthly wellness webinars, access to Certified CompassionFatigue Professionals, and customized strategies for creating a healthier work environment, helping teams thrive both personally and professionally.
- Growth and Learning Pathways – A culture of continuous learning and professional development helps employees grow in their roles, ensuring they feel fulfilled and motivated. We evaluate the opportunities for career advancement and educational support available within the practice.
- Workplace Harmony – Workplace harmony focuses on creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and collaboration among all team members. We evaluate how well the practice facilitates positive relationships and resolves conflicts to maintain a balanced, peaceful environment. We provide training in conflict resolution, effective communication, and regular team check-ins, helping to maintain a harmonious workplace where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Compassionate Leadership – Compassionate leadership is vital for cultivating a supportive environment where employees feel genuinely cared for. This pillar evaluates how practice leaders are trained to recognize and support the emotional needs of their teams. The CSAW program ensures that leadership receives training in mental wellbeing strategies, fostering a compassionate leadership style that encourages emotional resilience and well-being across the practice.
- Work-Life Balance – Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring long-term satisfaction in the veterinary profession. We evaluate how well practices support flexible work schedules and provide resources to help team members manage stress.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the CSAW program expanding its reach and elevating standards in veterinary practices. By dividing into enhanced benchmarks, we’re not just recognizing excellence – we’re actively shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for veterinary teams and the clients they serve.”
~ Carol Hurst, LVT, CVPM, CVJ, CCFP – Growth Implementation Specialist
Why CSAW Matters More Than Ever
The veterinary industry continues to face high levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, and turnover. By refining and strengthening the CSAW Program, we’re ensuring that veterinary teams have the tools, leadership, and support they need to succeed—both professionally and personally.
Is Your Practice Ready to Become CSAW Accredited?
If you’re committed to maintaining and making lasting improvements in your hospital’s culture, mental well-being, and team satisfaction, the CSAW Program is here to help.
📩 Click here to learn more about how your practice can get started today!
