The Perk of Pets
Does your company offer healthcare? Check. Does it offer a 401(k) program? Check. How about paid time off and tuition reimbursement? Check and check. Now, does it offer pet-friendly perks? Huh? Some of the latest and greatest company benefits have been the recognition that pets of employees are just like family. Companies on the leading edge of employee benefits, especially those that want to stand out within an industry, will offer such pet-friendly perks in order to attract top talent. But what exactly are these benefits?
According to an article titled, “Pet-Friendly Perks” in Human Resource Executive Online, employers are offering benefits such as pet insurance, paid pet bereavement leave, pet parental leave, paid leave to take care of a new pet, an on-site dog park, and the ever-popular bring your pet to work day. Most of these would have been unheard of even a few years ago.
On the website of Workforce, their infographic titled, “By The Numbers: Pet-friendly Workplaces,” shows how the popularity of these benefits has skyrocketed, as evidenced by the fact that one in three Fortune 500 companies offer pet insurance. So, why are pet-related perks so popular now?
As mentioned in the Human Resource Executive Online article, the bond between pets and humans appears to be stronger these days. Individuals are placing a greater amount of importance on their pets and spending a significant amount of their disposable income on them. Employers have taken notice of this and even acknowledged that pets can have a positive impact on the workplace.
The Workforce infographic shows that seven out of 10 people say that pets make a positive impact on office dynamics and morale, and bringing a dog to work is preferred three to one over table tennis and foosball tables. Yet, even with those strong statistics, only seven percent of employers allow pets in the workplace.
Obviously, while some job candidates are thrilled with pet-related benefits, others may cringe at the thought of working side-by-side with someone’s dog or cat. They may have allergies, a fear of animals, or some other issue that makes them pet averse.
Employers need to find a balance if they decide to implement a pet-friendly work policy that takes into account everyone’s opinions. Details need to be set in clear language and managers should be made aware of what is and is not allowed. If this trend continues, you may be lucky enough to have a furry, four-legged co-worker sitting next to you.
Originally featured in UBA’s January 2017 “HR Elements”.
