More than half of workers would consider switching jobs for a pet-friendly workplace

Allowing employees to bring pets to work could become an increasingly important part of employers’ attraction, retention and workplace wellbeing strategies, as research suggests pet-friendly policies are influencing where people choose to work.

Research commissioned by Mars Petcare found 53 per cent of UK workers would consider switching jobs if pets were allowed in the workplace, while 55 per cent of European workers said being able to bring their pet to work would influence their choice of employer.

The research, conducted by Censuswide among more than 16,000 office and hybrid workers across 16 European markets, also points to a potential wellbeing and workplace culture benefit.

Across Europe, 81 per cent of employees, including those who do not own pets, said a pet-friendly environment could foster a more relaxed and positive culture. Some 79 per cent said it could create more opportunities for spontaneous social connection between colleagues, while 74 per cent agreed the presence of animals could help lower stress levels.

The findings come as Worcestershire-based pet food business Fish4Dogs says its longstanding dog-friendly approach has helped encourage movement and interaction between employees.

The Droitwich Spa business, which has welcomed dogs into its workplace for years, can have up to 11 dogs in the office on any given day.

Sarah Fowler, CEO of Fish4Dogs, said: “We’ve noticed that for many people, the dogs bring a welcome relief during the working day. At the very least, they are a reason for people to get out from behind their desks and into the fresh air with the dogs for the necessary ‘comfort breaks’.

“We also find that the dogs create a social opportunity; staff members from different teams walk together, so the dogs break down boundaries between teams effortlessly.”

The potential value to employers extends beyond office culture. Mars’ research found the influence of pet-friendly policies was strongest among workers aged 25 to 34, with 62 per cent saying they could influence career decisions. Among pet owners, 65 per cent said a pet-friendly working environment would affect their choice of employer.

Pet-friendly policies could also play a role as employers encourage more staff back into workplaces. Half of those surveyed across Europe believed companies with pet-friendly policies were more supportive of a transition towards increased office-based working.

However, Fish4Dogs said employers need to consider the health, safety and wellbeing of their whole workforce before introducing dogs. Its approach includes giving individual dogs their own beds or spaces near their owners’ desks, regular exercise and toilet breaks and keeping dogs away from unsuitable areas including kitchens and warehouses.

The company also recommends establishing dog-free areas for employees or visitors who do not want to interact with animals and having a written policy setting out owners’ responsibilities and expected standards of behaviour.

Employers should also recognise that an office environment will not be appropriate for every animal, it said, particularly dogs that are highly reactive or find busy environments stressful.

That reflects recommendations within the Mars report, which calls for employers considering pet-friendly working to involve HR, legal and facilities teams, assess issues including allergies, hygiene and safety, consult employees and create designated pet-friendly and pet-free areas.