Something for the weekend: If you adopted a pet during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and feel that you’ve had to adjust your work schedule around your paw-rental duties for your furry friend, then you’re not the only one.
Sainsbury’s Bank surveyed 1,000 UK child parents and 1,000 dog owners to hear about the differences between raising two-legged and four-legged children.
The research revealed that UK dog owners are having to reshaping their work lives to accommodate looking after their pets, with 16% of respondents having modified their working hours to care for their canine companions, and 13% working from home more regularly to avoid leaving their dog alone for extended periods of time.
To manage the demands of dog ownership while working, 15% said they have sought help from dog walkers, sitters and day care services.
Nearly a third (31%) said their dog has increased their awareness of the importance of work-life balance, while 40% of paw-rents believe that spending quality time with their pet is important and 34% reporting an improvement in their mental health.
Despite this, 13% admitted they still find it challenging to balance quality time with their dog and work commitments.
Vicky Yuill, head of insurance at Sainsbury’s Bank, said: “Our survey reveals a significant shift in employee preferences for dog owners who are taking charge of their requirements. The data suggests a growing trend of employees looking for flexible work arrangements and pet-friendly policies. Going forward, this is something employers may have to consider having in place to attract and retain talent.”
It’s hard to deny the positive impact that a furry friend can have, but it’s not ideal that some are struggling to balance work and canine commitments. To combat this, some employers have introduced dog-friendly workspaces and doggy daycare options for employees.
