Workers are putting their dogs before their career

As employees get to grips with the return to offices now that restrictions have been lifted, many are making decisions regards their job roles based on their pet pooches.

Research has indicated that dog owners are reshaping the UK job market, with more owners revealing that their pet would now influence their career choices.

In fact, fresh dog food brand Butternut Box had found that 67% of dog owners said that they would be more likely to accept a new job if they could work from home with their fluffy companion.

Plus, 61% added that they would be swayed to accept a new job if they could bring them into the office with them.

51% explained that they want to see benefit packages which also include options such as doggy day care or dog sitting services, as well as health benefits that extend to their pet with private veterinary service for example (43%).

Respondents noted that they’d like to see pawternity leave added into employers’ benefits strategies, as nearly one in three said that they would be more likely to accept a role if they were given extra annual leave to bring their dog home.

Claire Creedon, head of people at Butternut Box, pointed out some of the benefits dogs in an office can have on staff.

She said: “Dogs are great at connecting people and help in building relationships across teams. Having them in the office creates a more relaxed and positive atmosphere – it’s hard to feel stressed or overwhelmed when there are dogs doing dog things around you.”

Employees also highlighted several benefits, such as helping to boost overall mood (30%), reduce stress (26%), and encouraging a healthier lifestyle thanks to lunchtime walks (17%).

The study identified that pet owners are putting their dogs first, as 34% explained that they would accept longer working hours if at home, while 18% would take on a less senior position if it meant they could spend more time with their dog.

Hybrid working was also named as the most popular working structure for 49% of respondents.

The HR leader shared advice for any business thinking of integrating dogs into their workplace to do so in a “safe and secure way”.

“Our policy at Butternut Box stipulates that all dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and each owner must complete a profile of their pet pooch so the rest of the team knows how to interact with them – this will help support both employees’ and dogs’ enjoyment of being in the office space,” Creedon added.