Veterinary students are willing to accept job flexibility by trading off some salary.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value veterinary students place on nonpecuniary job benefits related to working arrangements. SAMPLE 381 companion animal-focused veterinary students at 14 US veterinary colleges. METHODS: We employed a survey with a choice-based conjoint experiment. The experimental data were analyzed with a random parameter logit model, from which willingness to accept was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that students would prefer working 4 days a week and closer to 40 hours per week, with 13 days of paid time off. Flexible working arrangements were valued from approximately $1,500 to $3,400, depending on the attribute being analyzed. Paid time off was most highly valued. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results will help employers better identify the current preferences of soon-to-be associate veterinarians and can match job offer/working arrangements to enhance recruitment and retention within veterinary practices.