A surge in pet bereavement policies is causing American companies to reflect.
More animal lovers than ever consider their pets to be part of the family. 2023 Pew Research Survey It turns out that 62 percent of Americans own a pet, and a whopping 97 percent consider their furry friends to be relatives.
And with pet ownership booming during the pandemic, it makes sense for the U.S. workforce to adapt to the evolving culture, experts say.
“This is a great way to show a new generation of workforce that we care about them beyond their job title and that we understand that their lives outside of work impact their work.” says Directorie CEO and author of Pets are Family. Erica Sinner said. Axios.
More companies are evaluating their bereavement policies, with more support resources available to people dealing with bereavement. new york times Reported in February.
Research shows that companies that implement pet bereavement options experience increased employee morale, retention, and company loyalty, and create a less stressful environment. san jose research.
However, only a few companies currently offer this option.
Last year, a 12-hour conference was held in Los Angeles that brought together the nation’s top thought leaders in the emerging field of employee pet benefits.
Among the initiatives discussed were cremains, bereavement, dogs in the office, insurance discounts, and bringing pets into the workplace.
Google, along with IMAX, Starbucks, United Airlines, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Zoom, has already allowed employees to bring pets into the workplace since the 1990s, and the conference discussed increasing workplace support for pet owners. ing.
Ms Sinner, who has lost her beloved dog, said it was important to “normalize” talking about grief.
Currently, only California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington generally offer some form of bereavement policy.
She believes pet loss is a step in the right direction.
“I think a good way to do that is to have policies that are clear-cut,” Sinner added.
