Paws for thought?

Back in 2017 Scottish brewer Brewdog announced that all employees who adopted a puppy or rescue dog could have one week’s paid leave to help settle in their new pet. Now, the increase in pet ownership that started during in pandemic has put the subject of paid leave to look after new pets back in the discussion of employee benefits.

Pawternity is the term used to describe the concept where companies offer their employees paid time off to take care of their new furry friends. Similar to maternity or paternity leave, pawternity leave recognises the importance of pets in our lives and the responsibility that comes with taking one on. Depending on the company policy, the leave can range from a few days to a couple of weeks and is designed to allow employees to bond with their new pet, provide necessary training, and ensure their pet's health and wellbeing during the crucial adjustment period.

Employers are not legally obliged to give their employees paid or unpaid ‘pawternity leave’ in the UK. Some do however because they consider it’s something that's valuable to their staff – essentially prioritising animal welfare but with a benefit to the organisation. A pawternity policy provides employees with all the benefits that come with pet ownership such as reduced blood pressure, lower stress levels and boosted mood. And, when employees are happier and more content, job satisfaction, office morale and employee productivity all improve. One study from the University of Warwick actually shows that happiness improves productivity by around 12%.

Of course, if the owners of new pets get time off work, what does everyone else get?  Whilst its great to offer employees generous perks, is it unfair to offer such benefits to a limited number of people? And where does it stop? Any organisation thinking of introducing a pawternity policy will have to be very clear on the terms - what constitutes a pet and whether the benefits will only apply to cat or dog owners or if they will be extended to other types of pet owners.

With all the current difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, Pawternity leave could appeal to people who value their work-life balance and the well being of their pets. With work related stress costing the UK economy millions of pounds each year in lost productivity, perhaps any way of cultivating a happier, healthier and more productive workforce should be considered?