Pet-Supportive Workplace Study
Returns On Wellbeing Institute is conducting a new research study to explore the business case for supporting employee pet ownership. This study will build on our Workplace Wellness: Best Practices Study 2022 and analyze how employers can support employee pet ownership to foster better employee wellbeing outcomes and business returns.
This study will take place throughout 2024. Research findings will be released in phases and culminate in a published research report in early 2025 that will analyze employee pet ownership as a factor in shaping wellness programs.
Why This Study?
Research shows that pets are increasingly viewed as family members. This trend is reflected in several studies that show more and more employees appreciate or would welcome pet-supportive benefits from employers.
High Pet Ownership Rates:
High levels of pet ownership underscore the growing role of pets in people’s lives. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households owned a pet in 2021, a significant increase from previous years.
Pets As Family:
Americans deeply love their companion animals. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) revealed that a majority of pet owners in the United States view their pets as family members, with 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners consider their pets to be a part of the family.
Employees Want Pet Benefits:
Research shows employees would welcome more pet ownership support from their employers. A Banfield Pet Hospital survey found that 75% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces were more likely to stay with their employer, and 88% felt that pet-friendly policies improved their work-life balance.
Increasing Costs of Pet Ownership:
Pet ownership costs are a burden for many employees. Costs for food and routine vet visits have increased, and serious pet emergencies can cost thousands of dollars, which impacts workers who are struggling financially.
Flexibility and Time Off:
Employees want support for pet-related responsibilities and emotional needs. A study by Nationwide and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that many employees would value time off for pet-related needs, such as veterinary appointments, pawternity leave, and bereavement leave.
Objectives of the Study
The study will comprehensively analyze the case for supporting employee pet ownership. Utilizing third-party research, interviews with employers, experts, and employee pet owners, this study will include a contextual meta-analysis on attitudes toward pet ownership, the mental health benefits of pets, and the rising costs of pet care, among other areas.
The study will draw on ROWI’s research-based 6 Best Practices Model © to examine the benefits to employees, and the returns to employers, from pet-supportive workplaces, including boosting employee morale and productivity, and positioning companies as employers of choice.
Get Involved
Case Studies and Success Stories:
We seek employers with pet benefit programs to share their experiences. If your organization has policies that support employee pet ownership, such as pet-friendly workplaces, pet insurance, or pet leave, contact us! We will share your experiences and success stories on how your pet-supportive initiatives deliver bottom-line benefits.
Experts and Thought Leaders:
We seek insights from experts on the various aspects of employee pet ownership, including how pets support mental health and wellbeing. If you have experience in these areas, we’d love to interview you for this study.
Advocates and Supporters:
We seek partners who can help advocate for more pet-supportive workplaces by spreading the word about this study and initiative. Please click the link below to join our mailing list or inquire about participating in this new program.
Founding Sponsor
Directorie, a leading life science agency supporting medications reaching patients, is the Founding Sponsor of this initiative. In addition to providing initial financial support, Directorie CEO, Erika Sinner, will promote this initiative during her media tour for her new book, “Pets Are Family,” which has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, CBS, Great Day Washington and others.
Become a Sponsor
We seek additional sponsors who share our commitment to enhancing employee wellbeing. All sponsors will receive prominent recognition throughout 2024 as we announce the study and initial findings, and in 2025 as we release a comprehensive research report and other resources.
Benefits for sponsors include:
Brand Integration in Research Findings Rollout: Your brand will be prominently featured throughout the multi-phase release of research findings, aligning your brand with cutting-edge insights for HR, wellness professionals and C Suites into supporting employee pet ownership.
Prominent Exposure in Talks and Webinars: Sponsors will be acknowledged in various live and online talks and webinars that reach business and consumer audiences, showcasing your commitment to supporting employee wellness and pet-friendly workplace policies.
Inclusion in Media Campaigns: Your sponsorship will be highlighted in a media campaign focused on the importance of employee pet ownership, reaching diverse audiences interested in workplace wellbeing initiatives.
Customizable Sponsor Benefits: We will collaborate with sponsors to meet their specific needs. Whenever possible, we will tailor sponsorship benefits to meet your company’s marketing and CSR objectives, ensuring maximum impact and alignment with your corporate values.
For more information, click here to contact the Returns On Wellbeing Institute.