The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted society. Not all of it was bad. On a positive note, Covid reinforced the deep connection people have with their pets, given that companion animals provided stress relief, a sense of purpose and unconditional love during lonely lockdowns and work from home mandates.
According to a Pew Research Center survey most Americans (62%) own a pet, with (97%) saying their pets are part of their family. Studies also show that younger workers welcome pet-supportive workplace benefits, with 52% of Gen Z pet parents saying that pet benefits would increase their desire to stay with their company for the next 12 months.
Employers should take note. Creating “Pet-Supportive Workplaces,” with pet- friendly policies and benefits, can help attract and retain workers, boost their overall wellbeing, and confer competitive advantages for attracting and retaining employees by creating meaningful support for pet parents.
The Human Animal Bond
Returns On Wellbeing Institute has advocated for pet-supportive workplaces for years. During the pandemic, we showcased the health benefits of pet ownership and the role pets could play in supporting health and wellbeing.
In our article The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership, we cite research by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) that companion animals can reduce stress and anxiety, promote healthy lifestyles, and mitigate social isolation, a public health epidemic even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, we interviewed Carol Novello, former CEO of the Human Society of Silicon Valley and founder of Mutual Rescue, a project that produces moving videos about the transformative power of the human animal bond, about the life-transforming bond between people and companion animals.
Soldier with PTSD and a feral tuxedo cat who form a lifesaving bond
Returns On Wellbeing Institute believes that employers should take meaningful steps to support employee pet ownership. Because pet ownership has been shown to boost employee wellbeing, we believe pet-supportive workplaces are good for employees while positioning companies as great places to work.
But first, employers must see pets as extensions of employees’ families. “Psychologically, scientifically, that answer is clear: The bonds humans forge with animals can feel as strong as the ones we make with each other—even those with family, even with our kids,” said a recent article in The Atlantic.”
Creating A Pet Supportive Workplace
Pet-supportive workplaces enhance employer brands and support recruitment and retention. They also support employee wellbeing by reducing stress, boosting productivity and demonstrating an employer’s commitment to empathetic workplace cultures that value employee wellbeing.
Employers should make pet-supportive workplaces part of comprehensive, whole-person wellness programming. The investment in pet-supportive workplaces is small compared to the benefits of attracting top talent, lowering turnover, and supporting employees’ mental, physical and financial wellbeing.
Pet Insurance & Lowering Costs of Ownership
A nationwide study found that 28 percent of households with pets were unable to afford veterinary care, with finances being the most common reason.
In low-income households, financial and housing insecurity increased the risks that companion animals will not receive needed care. Or worse, financial challenges can lead to “economic euthanasia” when low income pet owners can’t afford to pay for catastrophic health emergencies for their pets.
Employees should never face the reality of denying needed care for their pets. Because pet insurance provides peace of mind for pet emergencies, employers should offer pet insurance that helps employees cover pet medical bills for accidents, illnesses, and routine care visits.
Consider benefits to help employees meet everyday pet care costs. The ASPCA estimates that a typical pet owner spends close to $1400 a year to support an individual pet. While these costs may not be an issue for many workers, lower paid employees can struggle with pet care costs.
Employers should consider ways to help employees reduce or eliminate pet care costs through innovative programs which might include:
- Subsidized or discounted pet food and supplies
- Employee Assistance Programs with pet support offerings
- Access to pet behaviorists or trainers
- Counseling services for pet-related issues
- Pet adoption or fostering programs
- Support for adoption fees
Flexible Work Policies
Pet policies should include flexible work options that help pet parents tend to sick pets. Pet bereavement policies, including bereavement leave, can help employees who are recovering from the loss of a beloved pet.
A systematic review of 19 qualitative papers from 17 studies explored the psychosocial impact of bereavement and grieving the loss of a pet. It found that animal owners who experience the death of a beloved family pet or companion animal may experience feelings of grief and loss that are synonymous with the death of a human.
Notably, the study suggests that pet grief should have the same priority as other human grief experiences. “Health professionals can respond to bereaved pet owners the same way they would for other forms of human bereavement and provide the necessary support to transition bereavement.”
Pet owners need time to meet essential pet care responsibilities. Because many employees see pets as family members, employers should include flexible leave policies for essential pet care, emergencies or pet loss.
Pets are central to our wellbeing. Employees would welcome workplaces that support pet ownership and honor the human animal bond. Accordingly, employers should cultivate workplaces that provide pet parents with the same support systems that help workers care for their human loved ones.
