The Pet Effect
Did you know that 97% of doctors believe there are health benefits to owning a pet?
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June 21st-25th is Take Your Pet to Work Week, the perfect time to consider pet-friendly workplace policies aimed at meeting the needs of pet owning employees. Those fortunate enough to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic found comfort in working alongside their companion animals. As people return to work, they are now worried about leaving their pets behind[1]. Supporting a pet-friendly workplace environment is a great way to meet the needs of these employees while also boosting your competitive edge. Research shows that employers that embrace pet-friendly workplace policies can attract and retain top talent.
How COVID-19 Changed the Landscape for Pets in the Workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic brought pets and people closer together. Millions of people welcomed new pets into their families and turned to their pets for support during the pandemic. According to a “COVID-19 Pulse Study” conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 11.38 million households have gotten a new pet during the pandemic, including over one in six members of the youngest generation, Gen Z.
The human-animal bond is stronger than ever, and people overwhelmingly reported that they felt even closer to their pets as a result of the pandemic[2]. According to new research from the United Veterinary Services Association (UVSA)[3], this was especially pronounced in people who worked from home, and for Millennials and Gen Z.
In perhaps the surest sign of the future of pet-friendly workplaces, the youngest generations are voicing overwhelming support for the ability to work alongside their pets. 7 in 10 Gen Zers, and almost half of millennials plan to personally reach out to their employer to request they implement a pet-friendly policy[4]. The same survey indicates that many would look for another job post-pandemic if their workplace was not pet-friendly.
Great companies and organizations are aware of these trends and already leading the charge with pet-friendly policies. According to a survey of 500 C-suite executives[5], 72 percent expect more workplaces will be pet-friendly after the pandemic, and 59 percent personally plan to allow more flexibility for employees wanting to stay remote with their pets. Further, 1 in 2 of the executives surveyed said they’re planning to allow pets in the workplace upon return to the office.
The Science Supporting the Benefits of Pet-Friendly Workplaces
A strong case can be made that companies will benefit from pet-friendly policies. Research conducted by Nationwide in partnership with HABRI has found that 90 percent of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others, while fewer than 65 percent of employees in non-pet-friendly workplaces made the same claim[6]. The research also found:
- Employees at pet-friendly workplaces are 3x more likely to experience positive working relationships with their supervisors and coworkers compared to employees in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
- 72% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company would decline a job offer with another company at similar pay, compared to 44% of employees in non-pet-friendly companies who would say the same.
- 88% of employees who work for a pet friendly company would recommend their place of employment to others versus 51% who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
Even if bringing pets into the workplace is not an option, employers can demonstrate that they care about the human-animal bond by providing benefits that help pet owners take good care of their pets. For example, employers can consider offering pet health insurance, time off to care for a new or sick pet, pet sitting services or allowing employees to work from home to take care of pets.
How to Make Pets in the Workplace a Reality
The good news is that there are great resources and helpful information available on how to safely and effectively welcome pets in the workplace or institute pet-friendly workplace policies. For example, Purina offers an Employee Toolkit to help get started on creating a safe and pet-friendly office environment. Petco makes the case for pet-friendly offices with the “Pets at Work” initiative which includes a guide of how to manage a pet-friendly office. And, for a more light-hearted take on pet-friendly offices, check out ‘The Woofice’ from The Pet Effect, which highlights the benefits of pet-friendly offices in a parody of the classic sitcom. The Woofice also features an informative Handbook, which can be downloaded here.
The pandemic has been a challenging time for so many people. Now more than ever, employers need to demonstrate compassion and care to boost morale and support the mental health of employees. Embracing a pet-friendly approach is an effective way to do just that.
To learn more about the health benefits of the human-animal bond, please visit HABRI.org.
Additional Resources:
- Shareable HABRI Infographic: Now is the Time for Pets at Work
- The Woofice Starter Kit
- Pets Work at Work Toolkit from Mars Petcare
- Better Cities for Pets: Benefits of Allowing Pets in Workplaces
- Shareable Petco Infographic: Benefits of a Pet-Friendly workplace Infographic
- Purina: 5 Steps to a Pet-Friendly Workplace
- Amazon Blog on Pets at Work
