20
June
2022
|
09:00 AM
America/New_York

Pet-friendly work perks prove increasingly popular

Take Your Pet to Work Week® runs June 20-24

Pets have become an increasingly present part of professional life, regardless of whether people are working from home or at the office. A cat crawling over a keyboard or a dog darting behind a desk are now common occurrences during the workday.

The observance of Take Your Pet To Work Week® (June 20-24), including Take Your Cat To Work Day® (June 20) and Take Your Dog To Work Day® (June 24), is a reminder about how companies can play an important role in supporting employees with pets.

Pet insurance has gained a lot of attention with many Millennials and Gen Zs indicating that pet-related benefits would influence their decisions about where they work and how they perceive their employers. A survey conducted by Morning Consult and Nationwide, the nation’s leader in pet health protection, revealed that among pet owners:

  • 49% of Gen Z respondents and 45% of Millennial respondents say that having pet-related benefits available to them would influence them to stay at their current employer or leave their company for one that does (32% among all surveyed)
    • Gen Z respondents say that making pet insurance available can improve employer favorability by 52%
    • Millennial respondents say that making pet insurance available can improve employer favorability by 47%
    • Gen Z respondents say that welcoming pets in the office can improve employer favorability by 43%
    • Millennial respondents say that welcoming pets in the office can improve employer favorability by 33%

“Companies today are looking for every lever they can pull to keep their best employees and attract top talent,” said Heidi Sirota, chief pet officer for Nationwide. “And employers that think of the whole family, even furry family members, when designing benefits are winning the loyalty of employees. Offering pet insurance as a voluntary benefit is a no-cost, no-effort way for companies to protect the savings and beloved companions of 7 in 10 employees -- and raise engagement, satisfaction, and retention, too.”

More than 9,000 U.S. companies and associations, including half of the Fortune 500, currently offer employees Nationwide pet health insurance as a voluntary benefit.

Practice proper pet-iquette in the office
Preparation of pets and consideration of colleagues are key for those who are planning an in-office celebration of Take Your Pet To Work Week.

  • Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current
  • Bathe your pet a day before to minimize shedding and dander
  • Pack leash/harness, bowls, food, treats, quiet toys, and disposable waste bags/litter tray
  • Create a safe, comfortable space with familiar bedding where your pet can rest
  • Use a leash, gate or crate to ensure your pet doesn’t wander
  • Plan for breaks to play with your pet and schedule potty breaks
download

Nationwide’s Take Your Pet To Work Week infographic is available for download here.

Visit petsvoluntarybenefits.com to explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs and cats through work. Call (877) 738-7874 to enroll a bird, rabbit, reptile or other exotic pet. Visit petinsurance.com for all other options.