Two-fifths (41 per cent) of pet owners say they’d be willing to take a pay cut in order to work in a pet-friendly environment, according to a new survey by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster.
The survey, which polled 1,800 employed pet owners, found 60 per cent were willing to seek new employment if their pet care needs aren’t met. Also, if it meant giving their pet a better life, respondents would sacrifice a promotion (16 per cent) and even their job security (14 per cent).
While 70 per cent of North American households have at least one pet, compared to other generations, millennials were three times as likely to have a pet instead of a child.
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Nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents said working in a “very” pet-friendly workplace is a high priority when choosing where to work and they’re likely to look for a new job due to the cost of caring for their pet when they’re not home. This was especially true for generation Z respondents, as 62 per cent said a pet-friendly workplace is a priority for them, nearly twice as much as baby boomers (35 per cent).
Among pet parents who have hybrid or remote working schedules, the average employee takes five cuddle or play breaks throughout the workday to spend time with their pet. Indeed, more than half (59 per cent) said those breaks are an “absolute must” for their work schedule.
Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of in-office or hybrid workers who have pets admitted that, when at the office, they’re more stressed about how their pet is doing at home than about their work responsibilities. As well, 54 per cent said their pet gets separation anxiety when they’re away at the office and 47 per cent said they also experience separation anxiety when working away from their pets.
“Pet owners are showing us pets are family and that their ability to care for their animals is something modern workplaces need to accommodate if they want them to stick around,” said Cerys Goodall, chief operating officer at Vetster, in a press release. “It’s important employers find ways to work with their pet parent employees and find a way that allows them to balance both pet parenthood and their career. Pet-friendly workplaces are key to attracting and retaining talent.”
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