People really love their pets, in fact, the average pet owner thinks about their pet about seven times during the workday, new research finds. That’s almost once an hour and on top of that, they worry about their pets five times every day when they’re at work.
A survey of 18-hundred employed pet owners reveals:
- Those worries may be related to the fact that 22% of in-office or hybrid workers admit that when they’re in the office they’re more stressed about how their pet is doing at home than their work responsibilities.
- Only 39% of those polled feel their current workplace is “very” pet-friendly, something 47% feel is a high priority when deciding where to work.
- Nearly a third (31%) have considered quitting their current job in order to take better care of their pet and 7% already have changed jobs so they could better care for their pet.
- Six in 10 respondents say they’d think about leaving their job if it interfered with their ability to take care of their pet.
- And 41% would be willing to take a pay cut to be able to work in a pet-friendly environment.
- Pet owner employees say they’d be more open to working in the office if pets were allowed to come (30%), they could take sick days when their pet is sick (28%) or if their job came with pet benefits (24%).
- Just over half (54%) think their pet gets separation anxiety when they’re away at work and 47% experience it themselves.
- People who work remotely or have hybrid schedules take an average of five cuddle or play breaks with their pet during the work day, and 59% of them say those breaks are an “absolute must.”
- For 81% of pet parents, giving their pet the best life possible is a top priority. To do this, they spend a lot of time with them (77%), give them treats everyday (63%) and make sure they get plenty of exercise (60%).
- To give their pet a better life, some people would even give up a promotion (16%) or their job security (14%).
Source: SWNS Digital