Employee engagement and retention

One of the earliest and most notable companies to embrace a pet-friendly office policy is Google who have been allowing pets into their offices (known as Dooglers) since inception in 1989.  Another tech giant, famous for pets in the office is Amazon, who admits to having a “dog obsessed culture”, with more than 10,000 dogs registered for their “Dogs at Work” pet friendly office environments (a ratio of about one dog to every five employees). Here, at PetSure we’re proud to champion the power of a pet-friendly workplace with 74% of our employees identifying as pet parents.

Research shows that having pets at the office can have an impact on employee engagement and retention. A study by the Pets at Work Alliance1. suggests that companies with pet-friendly policies see a marked increase in employee satisfaction, translating to higher levels of productivity and ultimately, profitability. Google, renowned for its innovative work environment, believes that allowing employees to bring their pets to work, encourages creativity.

But it’s not just about profitability. Employees build a sense of loyalty with companies that let them bring pets to work. Research conducted in partnership between Nationwide Pet Insurance and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)2. demonstrates a stark contrast in workplace satisfaction: 90% of employees at pet-friendly companies report a deep alignment with their employer’s mission and a willingness to endorse their workplace, a sentiment shared by only less than 65% of their counterparts in environments not welcoming pets.

Health and wellness

In and around the office, pets lighten the mood and provide a natural icebreaker. Many participants in Amazon’s “Dogs at Work” program say their dog is the reason they have met so many people in the office. Beyond the cubicles and conference rooms though, pets contribute significantly to workplace wellness. Interactions with pets have been shown to scientifically decrease stress levels, lower blood pressure and raise mood-enhancing hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin4.

A recent study from Lincoln University6 quantified the wellbeing benefits specifically associated with bringing dogs to work. These ranged from increased work engagement, significantly reduced turnover intention and improved overall work-related quality of life. Factors that were measured included general wellbeing, job career satisfaction, working conditions, stress at work and the home-work interface.

For all employees, the chance for brief interactions with pets in the office offer moments of relaxation and mindfulness, aiding them in recharging and sustaining focus throughout the day.

Setting up pet friendly offices

As the modern workplace evolves, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life, pet-friendly offices emerge as a testament to a shifting work-life paradigm. This trend underscores a company’s recognition of the significance that pets have in our lives and an advanced understanding of work-life integration.

Crafting a pet-friendly office involves tailoring the environment to meet the needs of both humans and animals. Creating such environments requires attention to pet-specific amenities like easy-to-clean surfaces, noise management, toilet locations and safe engaging layouts. Enhancements could include pet beds, water fountains and dedicated pet areas, epitomised by Amazon’s comprehensive approach, which features dog parks, walking trails and grooming stations, making these offices a haven for both employees and their pets.

Although most pet-friendly offices focus on integrating dogs into the work environment, it’s important not to forget the felines!

For companies just starting out, a good first step is for employees to pack their pet’s briefcase with office essentials:

The importance of clear guidelines and policies

While the benefits are clear, transitioning to a pet-friendly office requires careful planning and consideration of all employees’ needs and comfort levels. Establishing clear guidelines and policies is crucial to address potential challenges and ensure the initiative is a success.

  1. Pet eligibility and behaviour standards: Not all pets are suited for an office environment. Companies should establish criteria for which types of pets are allowed and ensure they are well-behaved, house-trained and comfortable in social settings to prevent disruptions.
  2. Health and safety requirements: Pets should be required to be up to date with all vaccinations and in good general health to reduce the risk of illness for both pets and people in the office. Implementing a policy for flea, worm and tick prevention is also vital.
  3. Designated pet areas: To accommodate employees who may have allergies or phobias, creating designated areas for pets can help manage interactions. This includes pet relief areas outside the building and possibly pet-free zones within the office.
  4. Responsibility and liability: Pet owners should be clearly responsible for their pet’s behaviour, including managing noise, cleaning up after them and ensuring they do not cause damage. Companies might also consider liability waivers to address potential issues.
  5. Trial periods and feedback loops: Implementing a trial period for pet-friendly policies, allows organisations to address any unforeseen challenges and gather feedback from employees to make necessary adjustments.

Pet-friendly office spaces offer an opportunity to support employee well-being and can potentially reduce stress, increase job satisfaction and enhance company culture. Given that not all employees are pet owners however, balancing the needs of both employee groups throughout the design of the initiative is a crucial element to success.

Benefits programmes

In addition to having pets in the office, pet related benefits, such as pet insurance and pawternity leave, can resonate more personally with employees. These benefits reflect a deeper understanding and support of employees’ lifestyles, where pets play a significant role. Offering pet-oriented benefits not only distinguishes a company in a competitive job market but also fosters a more inclusive, caring work environment that values employee well-being beyond traditional measures. This in turn can further enhance employee loyalty, satisfaction and potentially attract a broader talent pool.

The types of pet-centric benefits that employers might consider including are:

  • Free or subsidised pet insurance
  • Veterinary advice or telehealth for pets
  • Pawrental leave
  • Pet bereavement leave
  • Pet-related discounts
  • Pet adoption assistance
  • Pet snacks, toys and bedding at work
  • Pet health checks and vaccinations
  • Photos of employees and their pets for the company directory and social media
  • Pet daycare, walks and supervised play
  • Matching company merchandise for pets and their people
  • Flexible work hours
  • Pet health and wellbeing education
  • Discounted parking for pet transport
  • Company organised pet events

While traditional benefits remain essential in employee remuneration packages, pet-related benefits are becoming recognised as an emerging valuable addition, distinguishing the employee experience and improving morale, engagement and workplace culture. Employers should consider the direct costs, tax implications and strategic value of each benefit type when designing a comprehensive benefits package that addresses the diverse needs of their workforce.

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References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824880/
  2. https://habri.org/research/mental-health/workplace-wellness/#:~:text=A%20recent%20study%20conducted%20by,recommend%20their%20employer%20to%20others.
  3. https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/articles/new-survey-on-bringing-pets-to-work
  4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190715114302.htm
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513973/

Hall SS, Mills DS. Taking Dogs Into the Office: A Novel Strategy for Promoting Work Engagement, Commitment and Quality of Life. Front Vet Sci. 2019 May 7;6:138. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00138. PMID: 31134215; PMCID: PMC6513973

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