The solution? It might not be what you expect.    Enter pet benefits. It’s an innovative way to help support employees’ well-being and boost workplace morale, while simultaneously tackling the challenges of retention and productivity. 

Pet benefits aren’t just about making people smile (though they definitely do that!). They’re also a way to create a workplace that feels empathetic and supportive.  

The Challenge: Productivity vs. Cost 

Let’s be real: healthcare costs are out of control, and it’s hitting everyone. For businesses, these costs are rising at nearly 8% a year, according to the National Business Group on Health.     And for workers? It’s no picnic either. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that over 60% of people say money, including medical bills, is their biggest stressor. 

Here’s where it gets even messier. That stress doesn’t just disappear when employees show up to work. It comes with them, sits in the back of their minds, and can tank their focus and productivity.     In fact, a Willis Towers Watson study found that two out of every five workers surveyed admitted that they feel financially insecure and that financial stress is a major distraction on the job.  When you’re worried about how to pay an unexpected and hefty vet bill or a medical expense that pops up, it can be difficult to do your best work.  

That’s why more companies are rethinking the typical employee benefits package. They’re starting to go beyond just health insurance by focusing on the bigger picture of what their employees really need to feel supported and less stressed in the workplace. 

Offering voluntary benefits like pet insurance, flexible schedules for vet visits, or even discounts on pet care can take a huge load off people’s minds. Keep in mind that for many, pets aren’t just cute animals – they’re also family.  

The Role of Pet Benefits in the Workplace 

Just like with any family member, taking care of pets can get stressful, especially when unexpected vet bills show up or when balancing work and pet care responsibilities.    That’s why companies that include pet perks in their benefits packages can make such a big impact. Take pet insurance, for example. It’s a relatively simple addition to an employee’s benefits that can make a world of difference. For instance, panicking over the cost of emergency surgery for their dog or cat or even for a routine checkup, employees can breathe easier knowing that they’ve got financial support for such situations. 

There’s even such a thing as “pawternity leave” where employees can get paid time off to settle in a new puppy or kitten, or stay home and care for a pet that’s sick or has been injured. Other types of pet benefit plans offer discounts on cost of pet supplies, grooming, or doggy daycare, which can add up quickly and contribute to employee stress. 

The best part? These benefits don’t just solve financial problems. They also send a clear message to employees: “We care about what’s important to you.”  

It’s an easy, yet empathetic gesture that can help to build a lot of trust and loyalty in the workplace.  

Pet Benefits as a Solution to Productivity and Rising Costs 

However, pet benefits are not just a feel-good perk. They can actually be a part of a larger solution to some of the biggest challenges that employers are facing today, such as rising healthcare costs and employee productivity. 

A study conducted by Nationwide and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) discovered that 91% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company feel more engaged with their work and connected to the company’s mission, compared to 65% who work in companies that are not pet-friendly.  

In addition, with traditional health care costs skyrocketing, companies are feeling the squeeze. Pet benefits offer a smart and cost-effective way to supplement traditional health care offerings. For example, pet insurance or pet care discount plans typically cost nothing to offer, but deliver big results in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity. 

And there’s another advantage: recruitment and retention. Including popular benefits like pet perks can make all the difference when attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market.  

Picture this: a top job candidate sees two offers: one with standard benefits and one that includes pet insurance, pawternity leave, and discounts on pet care. Which one stands out? Once employees are on board, these benefits also help keep them loyal. When people feel valued (not just as workers but as whole humans) they’re more likely to stay put and put in their best work.  

A Smart and Practical Solution to Boosting Productivity 

In short, pet benefits aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re actually a smart and practical, if often overlooked, way to help tackle rising healthcare costs while boosting employee productivity. That’s because they help to ease financial stress while improving mental well-being. They’ll help show employees that their whole family (including their pets) matter.  

The result? Happier, more focused, and more loyal employees who stick around and perform their best.  

Be sure to check out Pet Benefit Solutions to take the first step toward creating a more productive workplace. As the only voluntary benefits provider specializing in both pet insurance and pet insurance alternatives, they lead the pack through unrivaled choice, innovative plans, and exceptional customer care.