Study indicates pet friendly companies are more likely to attract, engage and retain employees

Brea, CA - 

A recent study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), reveals that 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.

Additionally, 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. The findings held true even among non-pet owners in both pet friendly and non-pet friendly workplaces.

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.

Engagement
• 91 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel engaged with their work versus 65 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
• 83 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel their work is rewarding and exciting versus 46 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

Attraction
• 88 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company would recommend their place of employment to others versus 51 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

Retention
• 88 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company plan to stay with the company for the next 12 months versus 73 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
• 72 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company would decline a job offer with another company at similar pay versus 44 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
• 91 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel the company supports their physical health and wellness versus 59 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
• 91 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel the company supports their mental well-being versus 53 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

Relationships
• 52 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company report a positive working relationship with their supervisor versus 14 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
• 53 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company report a positive working relationship with their co-workers versus 19 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

Presenteeism
• 85 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company reported they rarely miss a day of work for well-being or recuperation versus 77 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

“The results of the Nationwide/HABRI study clearly indicate a significantly higher level of employee engagement, retention, attraction and presenteeism among employees that work in pet friendly work environments,” said Scott Liles, president and chief pet insurance officer for Nationwide. “In consideration of the discernable cost of employee turnover, adding pet friendly benefits, such as allowing pets in the workplace or offering pet health insurance as a voluntary benefit, can provide significant savings to a company’s bottom line.”

“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.”

With more than 700,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies, and more than 6,000 U.S. companies overall, offer Nationwide pet insurance as a voluntary employee benefit.

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 Nationwide pet insurance 

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 (2017); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2017). 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.

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.