To all the pets who kept us sane amid remote work…
There is no denying the role of pets to all workers amid the pandemic - and now is the time to give back.
A new movement dubbed as the #NationalPetDayOff is gaining ground and is set to kick-off on Monday, April 11, to recognise the role of pets in workplaces and in workers' lives.
Several industry leaders, including TribalScale, LoKnow, InnerSpace, Ace Beverage Group, Search Engine Journal, and Doggy Bathroom, have signed up to the campaign to recognise, celebrate, and incorporate pets into their workplace.
These participating industry leaders are also signing up for the following pledges:
- fundraising for local and Ukraine-supporting pet charities
- establishing pet-friendly workplace policies
- creating inclusive programmes like Vetster for Work for the unique needs of pet owners
Veterinary telehealth platform Vetster, the mind behind the movement, said participating companies may also provide people and their pets a day off on National Pet Day on April 11.
“Pets are part of our families. They improve our mental wellbeing, act as icebreakers in meetings, and establish routines that enhance our workday,” said James Wu, CEO, InnerSpace.
“At InnerSpace, we are committed to our pet parents, have incorporated our pets into our brand, and recognise the needs of pet ownership giving employees the time they need to care for their pets.”
Read more: Should your workplace allow pets?
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The movement comes after working from home brought fur parents to their pets even closer than before - as the loving animals became their companion probably even more than their colleagues on days when a workday gets tough.
In fact, a study from OnePoll on behalf of Vetster revealed the following benefits of pets according to employees:
- 48% of pet owners claim to be more productive at work when their pet is nearby
- 46% believe their pets help them to break the ice and make new acquaintances
- 39% believe their pets help them to avoid burnout
Owners' attachment to their pets have also begun affecting hiring and employment, according to the report, with six in 10 employees leaving a job to seek a pet-friendly workplace.
On the other hand, seven out of 10 employees also said they were willing to take a pay cut in favour of a pet-friendly office.
These results reflect the impact of pet-friendly initiatives in workers, and how employers should start catching up with these needs if they want to succeed.
"Building inclusive workplaces that meet employee needs, while fostering a healthy approach to work, improves productivity, enhances relationships, and is critical to success," said Vetster chief executive officer Mark Bordo.
"Millennials are three times more likely to have a pet than to have a child. Forward-thinking businesses wishing to retain their talent must make room for our four-legged friends."