Waggel was set up in 2017 to disrupt the pet insurance market with a simpler and more personalised product for the nation’s cats and dogs. Now, with just under 100 employees based all around the UK and beyond, it is disrupting the working week too. Hannah Simpson, head of product at Waggel, says: “We want everyone to be able to make their personal life work around work. Although we have set hours, [from] 9am to 5.30pm, when meetings can take place, it is up to employees to manage their work around their personal life. It is about achievement over activity.”
While the approach is relaxed, it is essential to create clear boundaries so everyone understands what is required, says Simpson. “Employees are encouraged to let their colleagues know if they’re taking time out during the day, adding it to their calendar, telling their manager and using emojis on Slack,” she explains.
Waggel’s reward package supports this culture. The organisation has a flexible 35-day annual leave allowance. “If someone’s worked on a large project, we’d encourage them to take a longer break so they come back fully refreshed,” says Simpson. “They can also work anywhere they like within a two-hour time zone, which could help to extend a holiday or trip home.”
There is plenty of support for employees’ health and wellbeing within Waggel’s benefits. As well as health insurance, provided by Vitality, it has mental health first-aiders in every department. To further support employee wellbeing, it introduced a policy in October 2025 to restrict work communications to work devices. “We wanted to create a harder line between work and personal life,” says Simpson. “This ensures employees can completely switch off.”
With employees working remotely, regular employee get-togethers are another feature of the Waggel culture. These promote social wellbeing and collaboration, and range from department calls and virtual socials through to a regular retreat, where it hires a large venue in the country and encourages everyone to get together and relax.
Enabling employees to strike a balance between work and life has plenty of business benefits too. Simpson explains: “Allowing remote and flexible work means we have access to a much wider talent pool but it also means our employees are more invigorated and engaged. Work gets done to a higher standard: it’s great for business.”
