The COVID-19 pandemic has given many dog lovers a chance to further bond with their furry friends. And for many, it’s allowed them to find time to adopt and train a new family member. But with so many dog lovers temporarily working from home, what will happen when the pandemic ends?
Luckily, you might not have to choose between your dog and going back to work. A new survey from Banfield Pet Hospital polled 500 C-suite executives and 1,500 employees with dogs and cats. The study found that not only are people more productive around their pets, but many companies are considering switching to a pet-friendly office post-pandemic!
The Majority of Companies Prefer a Pet-Friendly Office
According to Banfield’s study, six in 10 companies want to be more pet-friendly after the pandemic. They don’t want their employees’ pets developing separation anxiety after their humans stop working from home. Plus, Banfield believes that pets can greatly increase productivity.
The survey included 500 C-suite executives. The results showed that 59% of executives plan to allow more flexibility for employees with pets once more people start working in the office again.
In fact, 72% of the surveyed executives said they expect to see more pet-friendly offices after the pandemic. This is exciting news for pets and humans alike!
Employees Prefer Pets too!
Banfield also surveyed 1,500 cat and dog parents to see how they feel about pet-friendly workplaces. It’s no surprise that many of them reacted positively to it.
Three in 10 of the surveyed employees said they adopted a dog or cat amid the pandemic. Millenials and Gen Z employees were also the most likely to adopt a new pet and request pet-friendly policies in the workplace.
63% of all employees said that the pandemic has helped them think about their furry friends more. 57% of them said they’d be happiest if they could return to work in a pet-friendly environment. Sadly, if they’re not able to bring their pet to work post-pandemic, one in five employees might consider re-homing their pets.
No need to fear though! Many pet parents are still seeking help for after the pandemic. 32% of dog and cat lovers have talked to their vet to get advice about transitioning back to “normal”. 45% are researching dog walkers and dog daycare centers for when they are away.
Animals Can Make Work Better
Dog lovers have been pushing for pet-friendly work spaces since even before the quarantine. But now, thanks to the increase in animal adoptions, even more people want to bring their pet to work. In fact, one half of Gen Z employees and one third of millennials said they may consider looking for a new job if their office doesn’t become dog-friendly.
As it turns out, many executives have seen positive improvements from a pet-friendly workplace. 67% noticed an increase in work socialization and 42% saw an increased productivity for staff. Additionally, 31% saw increased employee retention and 24% observed happier employees because of it.
“We’ve seen the human-animal bond only get stronger during the pandemic, and it’s no surprise that owners are thinking about how they can best be here for their pets when they start to spend more time outside of home,” said Brian Garish, president of Banfield Pet Hospital.
Dogs in the workplace will always have its pros and cons. But many employees could benefit from having their best friend around. So, as the world slowly transitions to the new normal, we should expect to see more pet-friendly offices.
H/T: people.com
Featured Image: @TheDogsAtWork/Facebook
Toledo, United States.
