017: Work Ethic Isn’t Dead: What’s Really Shifting in Vet Med Teams

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most common and emotionally charged narratives in veterinary medicine: “Younger generations just do not want to work.”

Rather than reinforcing stereotypes or dismissing frustration, this conversation turns to the research. Grounded in a 2016 cross-temporal meta-analysis by Jean Twenge and colleagues, the episode explores what has actually shifted in generational work values — and what has not.

The data show no dramatic collapse in work ethic. What has shifted, modestly but measurably, is work centrality and the value placed on leisure and balance. In a profession historically shaped by a “you must attend” mentality, even subtle recalibrations can feel seismic.

Through real-world clinic stories, leadership reflection, and practical culture renovation strategies, Andi and Josh explore how redefining commitment — and modeling sustainable boundaries — may be one of the greatest leadership opportunities in modern veterinary medicine.

You will hear:

• What the research actually says about generational work ethic
• Why work centrality has shifted — and why that matters
• How confirmation bias fuels generational stereotypes
• The difference between self-sacrifice and sustainable commitment
• Practical ways leaders can redefine and model commitment
• How curiosity can interrupt the “kids these days” cycle

This episode invites leaders to move beyond blame and toward design — because thriving veterinary cultures are built intentionally, not nostalgically.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Generational Differences in Work Values: Leisure and Extrinsic Values Increasing, Social and Intrinsic Values Decreasing
Authors:Jean M. Twenge et. al. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206316632058

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience
World Wide Vets - THRIVE CE Wellbeing retreat in Zimbabwe

All Creatures Great and Small (James Herriot) 1980s TV series (the best one!)

Florida Man This Week - Bean Burrito Bandit 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [e-mail]

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: 

00:00 Generational Work Myth

00:44 Meet Josh and Dalia

02:17 Airplane Jokes and Travel

02:57 Zimbabwe Thrive Retreat

04:58 Lazy Young Workers Claim

06:56 Tech Leaves at Six

10:52 Martyrdom Culture Origins

16:05 Work Values Research