Pet benefits new employee benefits trend | EBA

Employee benefits are constantly changing, and the pandemic has led to a profound shift in priorities for both employers and their workers in more ways than one. As companies strive to adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of new recruits and incumbent employees, pet care benefits have emerged at the forefront of this landscape.

Nearly one in five US households, a staggering 23 million, adopted a pet during the pandemic according to the ASPCA. Those furry friends are considered family members, too 41% of pet owners considered their pet to be “like my son.” Today, pet benefits are increasingly recognized as a strategic tool for improving both employee retention and engagement.

In a Wag! poll of 1,001 new dog “parents” returning to the workforce after COVID, a surprising almost half of the respondents Said they would miss their dog more than they would miss their children or their spouse and three-quarters were nervous about the pet-care challenges they would face when returning to work.

Read more: Pets help employees sit and stay on a job

Pet insurance is the single biggest challenge for these dog parents, with more than 60% surprised by the cost and effort required to properly insure their pets. Traveling with a pet is becoming increasingly popular, with nearly a third of dog owners frequently traveling with their dogs, and another third claiming they would travel more if they could bring their pets.

With the financial and time commitment required to own a pet, it may be surprising that so many Americans jump feet first into pet parenthood, but 93% of those new pet parents say their dog provided mental health support in another way. Up to 48% even said it reduced their anxiety.

The rise of pet parenthood, the demand for pet care solutions and society’s growing love for pets provide the perfect opportunity for forward-thinking organizations to offer novel but increasingly requested pet care benefits for their recruits and employees. With the growth and convenience of the gig economy, it’s also easier for employers to accommodate pet care such as dog walking and pet sitting as a benefit, and it’s worth considering those additional opportunity for investment in pet-parent employees.

A pet-friendly workplace has been shown to not only reduce stress, but also increase engagement, retention, positive relationships and even attendance in the workplace. aside from this Pet insurance can cost as little as $30 to $50 per pet, and can give employees peace of mind that sudden illnesses or injuries are covered or even fully covered for their furry family members.

Read more: With Manulife, pet parents save time, money with Airvet virtual vet visits

As the workforce landscape continues to evolve amid societal changes and shifting priorities, adding pet care benefits stands out as a strategic move for employers looking to boost retention and engagement. employee relations. The increase in pet ownership during the pandemic underscores the importance of recognizing pets as important family members for one in five families adopting a pet.

By offering pet care solutions, such as insurance coverage and pet-friendly workplaces, organizations demonstrate their commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of their employees and attract of a wider pool of talents. Adopting pet-friendly policies not only fosters a positive work environment, but also creates stronger relationships between employers and their pet-parent employees, which ultimately contributing to a more complete and productive workforce.