It’s a fact that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership, compared to countries such as the USA and UK. Furthermore, during COVID-19 one-in-four Aussies surveyed became a new pet parent. This decision was supported by the fact they could now work from home.
However, with COVID restrictions being lifted and people returning to work pet owners face many concerns. The top three worries are pet loneliness, guilt at leaving their pet and financial concerns regarding the cost of pet sitting and dog-walking services.
What’s more, almost 80% of employers are not pet friendly. Most don’t allow pets in the workplace at all!
Recent findings regarding pets in the workplace and the views of pet owners suggest changes should be made to encourage more pet-friendly workplaces.
New data from Mars Petcare shows that one-third of Aussie pet owners are concerned about their return to the office. In particular, it is Gen Zers who backed pet-friendly policies the most. 70% of Gen Z respondents say they are more likely to take on a new job with an employer who supports pets in the workplace.
Courtesy of Mars Petcare
The benefits of pet-friendly workplaces
There is plenty that can be done to make Aussie workspaces more pet friendly. In addition, there are myriad reasons to support a pet-friendly workplace. Some of the benefits of a pet-friendly workplace include:
Lower stress levels amongst staff. Studies have shown that petting our furry friends can lower blood pressure and boost people’s mood.
Greater productivity. Rather than providing a distraction, pets in the workplace can assist with productivity. Pet owners need to be responsible for their furry friends, which means regular toilet breaks. Taking short breaks throughout the day actually clears the mind and invigorates the body, making people more proactive.
A happier culture. Pets are amazing at making you feel loved. As such, pets in the workplace can prevent feelings of social isolation. They can encourage inter-personal communication and help boost people’s moods. After all, a happy workplace is a productive workplace!
More appealing to potential employees. According to Mars Petcare, more than half (51%) of Aussies say they are more likely to take on a new job with an employer who supports pets in the workplace. This number jumps to almost 70% amongst Gen Zers.
Courtesy of Mars Petcare
What can be done to accommodate pets in the workplace?
Sure, there’s no point in advocating for pets in the workplace if it’s an impossible proposal. This is why Mars Petcare teamed up with the clever students at RMIT University—to showcase the vision of Australia’s pet-friendly future workplaces.
To encourage more businesses and organisations to transition towards pet-friendly workplaces, the vision incorporates the need of both people and pets. Key aspects of the design include:
- “Not Pet” carpet – a textile innovation that uses a grate look fabric that is a deterrent to dogs
- Calming plants – plants like Bergamot have been included throughout to help balance emotions by soothing panic and snappiness
- LED lights – under desk LED lighting technology has been implemented to help disinfect any bad smells
Other fur-friendly amenities include sleeping pods for tired pets, dog-specific designed furniture, water bowls and a dog slide for fun times.
Whether pets in the workplace becomes a future reality is yet to be seen. However, pet owners’ growing concerns about returning to work and how this might negatively affect their fur pals are real.
Are you currently feeling concerned about returning to work and how this might impact your pet? We’d love to hear your views. Simply post in the comments box below.
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