National Take Your Dog to Work Day is June 21
Recent study indicates pet friendly companies are more likely to attract, engage and retain employees
With National Take Your Dog to Work Day® slated for its 21st annual renewal on June 21, many companies will offer employees the opportunity to bring their furry-four legged friends to the office. In fact, the number of employers that offer pet friendly benefits is on the rise. According to Nationwide, the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., half of the Fortune 500 and more than 7,500 U.S. companies offer its pet health insurance as a voluntary employee benefit, and a recent study indicates the importance of pet friendly perks to employees.
A study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), reveals that more than three times as many employees at pet friendly workplaces report a positive working relationship with their boss and co-workers, significantly more than those in non-pet friendly environments. Moreover, these employees are more likely to stay with a company long term.
Furthermore, 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. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.
When viewed across generations, millennials, the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, are far more likely than their Generation X and baby boomer counterparts to value a pet friendly work environment.
Below are key findings from the Nationwide/HABRI pet friendly workplace effectiveness study:
A pet friendly workplace is defined in the study as one that allows pets in the workplace (regularly or occasionally) and/or offers a pet friendly employee benefit, such as pet health insurance.
| Employee Respondents: 2,002 U.S. full-time employees who spend a majority of their time working in an office environment with businesses that have 100+ employees. | Work in Pet Friendly Workplace | Work in Non- Pet Friendly Workplace |
| Engagement | ||
| • Feel fully engaged with their work | 91% | 65% |
| • Feel their work is rewarding and exciting | 83% | 46% |
| Attraction | ||
| • Would recommend their place of employment to others | 88% | 51% |
| Retention | ||
| • Plan to stay at the company for next 12 months | 88% | 73% |
| • Would decline a job offer with another company at similar pay | 72% | 44% |
| • Feels the company supports their physical health and wellness | 91% | 59% |
| • Feels the company supports their mental well-being | 89% | 53% |
| Relationships | ||
| • Report a positive working relationship with their supervisor | 52% | 14% |
| • Report a positive working relationship with co-workers | 53% | 19% |
| Presenteeism | ||
| • Rarely miss a day of work for well-being and/or recuperation | 85% | 77% |
“The results of the Nationwide/HABRI study clearly indicate a significantly higher level of engagement among employees that work in pet friendly environments,” said Anthony Sharett, president of Nationwide’s pet insurance business. “In consideration that millennials are both the largest generation in the U.S. workforce and the largest generation of pet owners, it is paramount that employers consider adding pet friendly perks such as allowing pets in the workplace or offering pet health insurance as a voluntary employee benefit.”
| If my workplace was pet friendly… | Millennials | Generation X | Baby Boomers |
| • I would be more satisfied | 58% | 45% | 36% |
| • I would feel more engaged with my work | 51% | 39% | 30% |
| • I would be more likely to recommend my employer to others | 55% | 40% | 31% |
| • I would likely decline a job offer with similar pay | 46% | 34% | 25% |
“Pet owners increasingly think of their pets as members of the family,” said Steven Feldman, executive director of HABRI. “When employers offer pet friendly benefits, it sends an important signal that the company cares about every member of the family, even the ones with four legs.”
Methodology Nationwide and Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a not for profit organization, commissioned Lieberman Research Worldwide (LRW) to conduct a 20-minute, online survey between December 15-21, 2017, among a sample of 2,002 U.S. full-time employees in businesses that have 100+ employees. Employees surveyed were between 18-64 years old, spent a majority of their time working in an office environment, and were not employed in a research-sensitive industry. Statistical confidence intervals are given throughout the study and are reported at the 95% and 99% confidence level. As a member of The Insights Association in good standing, LRW conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.
About the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information about the HABRI Foundation, please visit www.habri.org.
About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 750,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.