The acceleration of hybrid work meant more workers were at home, giving new meaning to the saying “man’s best friend.” With our 9-to-5s taking place at home, our dogs and cats were able to be by our side all day, fostering more quality time for bonding.
Now, as organizations around the world explore a hybrid work model, our relationships with our pets and their impact on our overall well-being remain top of mind. A few reasons why that is, according to a Nationwide/HABRI study:
- Improved mental health: Between the unconditional love and endless cuddles, pets make us happier. Eighty-five percent of pet owners agree that their pet brings them joy, while 82% say their pet brings them comfort. And 73% of pet owners say that their pet enhances their mental health.
- Increased physical health: Daily walks or just a chase around the house get our blood pumping. On average, pet owners surveyed reported exercising 3.5 days per week, compared to non-pet owners, who reported exercising 2.8 days per week, on average.
- Better employee engagement: When we feel that our pets are supported by our companies, we feel supported in turn — and that makes us feel more engaged in our work. Ninety-one percent of employees who work for a pet-friendly company feel engaged with their work versus 65% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces. 83% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company feel their work is rewarding and exciting versus 46% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
- Higher retention: A dog-friendly space often encourages employees to stick around longer. Eighty-eight percent of employees who work for a pet-friendly company plan to stay with the company for the next 12 months versus 73% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
Whether you’re working from home or in a pet-friendly office, having your furry friend by your side is key for unlocking a meaningful and engaging working experience. At Zoom, our solutions help you stay connected with your colleagues — and your pooch — no matter where you are.
Whether it’s setting an away message on Zoom Team Chat when it's time for a walk, using Workspace Reservation to find the perfect spot for your pup in the office, or enabling the noise suppression feature for when they bark at the mail carrier, our platform equips you with the tools you need to make your workday seamless and productive while you keep your pet company.