PetFriendlyOffice.com talks with Steve Feldman, President of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
By Pam Foster
“Research shows that 91% of employees in pet-friendly companies feel supported by their company when it comes to their well-being.”
I’ve been a huge fan and follower of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) for several years now, so it’s been especially delightful to interview Steve Feldman, its president since 2014.
Since its creation in 2010, HABRI has been focused on funding and sharing scientific research to demonstrate the positive health impacts of companion animals and the importance of the human-animal bond. This is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and well-being of both.
This bond is beneficial to the mental, physical, and social health of people, and animals, and you know I’m a big believer in that! For this interview, I asked Steve about the specific ways employers can bring that positivity into the workplace.
Pam: What is the HABRI position on companies offering pet-related employee benefits?
Steve: Research (including HABRI-funded studies) has long demonstrated the workplace wellness benefits of pet-friendly policies as a way to honor and support the human-animal bond.
When companies offer pet-related employee benefits, they’re not only demonstrating they value the health and wellbeing of their pet owning employees, but they are also improving engagement, retention and company culture.
Pam: Does HABRI specifically recommend that other businesses offer pet-related benefits?
Steve: Yes, HABRI recommends that businesses offer pet-related employee benefits.
While not every business or office can allow pets in the workplace due to factors such as safety, offering pet-related benefits enable an employer to demonstrate that they care about the pets of their employees and their wellbeing.
Pet-related benefits, such as offering time off to care for a pet, providing pet health insurance and other services such as pet sitting, can contribute to better productivity and improved mental health for employees.
Research shows that 91% of employees in pet-friendly companies feel supported by their company when it comes to their well-being.
Pam: Wow, that’s an amazing number. What types of pet-related benefits are you seeing offered and embraced the most?
Steve: There are several pet-related benefits that can be offered to employees even if pets are not physically permitted in the office every day.
Benefits like pet health insurance, “pawternity” and veterinary telehealth are embraced as popular options for pet owning employees.
We created this shareable infographic that offers 10 different ideas on becoming a pet-friendly workplace.
Pam: Do you know specific examples of success along these lines? (Companies attracting talent, retaining great employees)
Steve: Companies like Amazon, Google, and Chewy are great examples of those leading the way and setting an example of how pet-friendly benefits can improve workplace culture.
Many in the pet care community are leading the way when it comes to fostering pet-friendly workplaces. For more examples, please see HABRI’s blog here.
Pam: How is HABRI involved in helping companies know what to offer… and how it all works?
Steve: HABRI works to educate the public and employers on the importance of pet-friendly workplace benefits.
A recent survey commissioned in partnership with OnePack by PetPartners offers insight from H.R. professionals about the benefits of pet-friendly offerings.
Pam: What have been the biggest advantages that you know of… to companies offering pet-related benefits?
Steve: The HABRI/Nationwide study shows that pet friendly benefits present a unique opportunity to increase engagement and retention in the workplace while also improving mental wellbeing.
A recent systematic review of pets in the workplace studies show that pets at work reduce stress for employees and improve mental health. Pets also act as social icebreakers, encouraging more workplace collaboration and team bonding.
Pam: How about any hurdles or problems related to these benefits (if any)?
Steve: While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to welcoming pets in the workplace, introducing pets at work should involve thoughtful planning and a comprehensive framework.
HABRI compiled these resources and guidelines from the pet care community to help guide businesses considering implementing pet-friendly policies.
Pam: What’s been the biggest happy surprise or fun thing you’ve seen or heard related to these benefits?
Steve: Businesses can build their culture and identity by being pet friendly.
Through the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, HABRI has been introduced to many companies and organizations that have built a pet-inclusive culture.
One great example is Tito’s Handmade Vodka for Dog People, which has since become a wonderful partner of HABRI.
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Steve Feldman for taking the time to answer my questions! I love that thoughtful companies are embracing pet-inclusive customers and enhancing their brands by going all-in on the human-animal bond.
About HABRI
The human-animal bond is universally embraced as an essential element of human wellness. The HABRI mission is to advance, through science, education and advocacy, the vital role of the human-animal bond in the health and well-being of people, pets, cultures and communities. Learn more about HABRI’s many efforts and partnerships at HABRI.org
About PetFriendlyOffice.com
About PetFriendlyOffice.comIf you’re an HR Manager or business owner, you’ll appreciate having “All the Things to Make Pet-Related Benefits Easy” in one place. With my Pet-Friendly Office DIY System (checklists, templates, policy guidance, and more), you can set up everything yourself. Or let me handle most of it for you through my Pet-Friendly Office CONCIERGE SYSTEM. Can’t allow pets in the office? I can help you choose other popular benefits for your company. Ultimately, you’ll be the hero who leads a pet-friendly culture, increasing employee retention and attracting top talent.
Let’s make quick work of your mission. Start with this FREE resource: HR SURVIVAL GUIDE to Pet-Related Benefits — Pam Foster, your Chief Pet-Friendly Officer
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