Happiness levels amongst South African Veterinarians

Happiness is a new field of study in various healthcare fields. Researchers indicated that although there are numerous studies investigating mental well-being amongst veterinarians, scientific research into happiness in veterinary medicine has not begun and that happiness levels of veterinarians are unknown. This treatise is the first known study examining the happiness levels of South African veterinarians and the implications that increased happiness levels can have for organisations who employ veterinarians. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two main constructs of happiness – eudaimonia and hedonism were examined. Additionally, the three theories of happiness, namely set-point theory, social comparison theory and the affect theory were explored and the importance of happiness in the workplace was established. The literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed influence in the workplace, social relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, work stress and leisure lead to happiness of South African veterinarians. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that veterinary practice owners can implement to increase the happiness levels of their veterinarians so that they can have social, financial and personal gain. encourage their employees to pursue leisure activities. Life coaches or industrial psychologists can be used to bridge the generational gap between veterinarians and to minimise interpersonal conflict. Moreover, managers need to have conversations with their employees to understand their needs and to help them achieve their professional goals