Some three fifths of Swedes (60%) said that they would consider changing jobs if they could bring their pets to work, according to a new study by Mars, Incorporated, conducted by Censuswide.
The study, which formed part of a survey of more than 16,000 employees across 16 European countries, forms part of Mars’ Pet-Friendly Advantage (PFA) report, which examines attitudes towards animals in the workplace and the role of pet-friendly policies in employee wellbeing and workplace culture.
Close to three quarters (72%) of Swedes said that pets help to create a more relaxed work environment, with younger employees increasingly seeking out roles with pet-friendly workplaces.
Among Swedish employees aged 18 to 24, 39% said they actively seek pet-friendly policies when applying for jobs, compared with 20% of employees aged over 55. In addition, 41% of those aged 18 to 24 said they prioritise pet-friendly policies over improved personal benefits, compared with 25% of employees aged over 55.
‘Pet-friendly policies are establishing themselves as a key perk for retaining and attracting talent today and in the future,’ Mars said.
Return to the office
The survey found that pet-friendly workplace policies are also viewed as an indicator of how companies support employees returning to office-based work. Half of European respondents said companies with pet-friendly office policies are more supportive of employees transitioning back to office-based work. In Sweden, the figure was 43%.
‘For employers, the business case for investing in pet-friendly offices is strong, especially as more companies introduce return-to-office requirements, making pet sitting more challenging for pet owners,’ Mars noted.
A formal and well-managed pet-friendly office policy was also seen as an indication that an employer cares about employee wellbeing, the study found.
Across Europe, 36% of employees said they prioritise animal-friendly policies over traditional benefits and other workplace perks. The research also found that 71% of European workers would be more likely to get a pet if their workplace offered more pet-friendly policies and would consider changing jobs if pets were allowed at work. Elsewhere, 81% said pets contribute to a more relaxed working environment.
‘Positive impact’
“Bring Your Dog to Work Day is a great day, and at Mars we have long understood the positive impact that pets can have in the workplace,” commented Piotr Kaznowski, general manager Nordics for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe.
“Now, new data from our Pet Friendly Advantage report shows this even more clearly: pet-friendly workplaces support well-being, strengthen culture, and are increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent. Every day should be a ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ day.” Read more here.
