Taking place on April 2nd this year, National Employee Benefits Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work of all the folks who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that employees have the benefits they need to live their best lives.     According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), National Employee Benefits Day honors “trustees, administrators, benefits practitioners, and professional advisors for their dedication to providing quality benefits and the important role they play in their colleagues’ well-being.” 

If you’re in the business of employee benefits, this is your moment to shine.  Beyond just a “thanks for the benefits” day, it’s also a good time to evaluate your company’s benefits package and how well it supports employee wellness.  

A Holistic Approach to Employee Wellness 

Gone are the days when employee benefits were just about health insurance and a 401(k). Nowadays, companies are stepping up their game with a more holistic approach to wellness.     Sure, employees still need health coverage, but companies are getting creative by offering things like: 

• Fitness club memberships 
• Yoga classes  
• Healthy in-house meals and snacks 
• Flexible workspaces for mental clarity 

National Employee Benefits Day offers a reminder to look beyond physical health and support the emotional and mental well-being of employees, too. After all, we’re all human, and stress is a very real issue at work.  

Did you know that 40% of surveyed employees say their job is very stressful?  

Even worse, job-related stress costs American businesses over $300 billion a year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and high turnover. 

That’s where resilience comes in. The IFEBP describes resilience as the ability to “adapt well to stress, both in your personal and professional life.” Resilient employees are more likely to stay happy, healthy, and productive. A well-rounded employee benefits package can help make that happen. 

Why Mental Health Matters More Than Ever 

If there’s one thing that’s become crystal clear in recent years, it’s that mental health is just as important as physical health. According to the American Psychological Association, job stress is the #1 source of stress for American adults.  

So, it’s no surprise that many companies are focusing on mental wellness by offering resources like: 

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling services 
• Mental health days off (yes, it’s OK to call in for your brain) 
• Onsite mindfulness sessions, meditation, or stress management workshops 

But if you’re really serious about employee happiness, it’s important to offer options for your employee’s entire family – including their furry friends. 

The Effect of Pets on Employee Wellness

When we think about employee benefits, our minds often jump to insurance plans, wellness programs, and financial perks. We often neglect a key concern for nearly 67% of American households: their pets.

Turns out, pet-friendly workplaces are not just a cute trend, they’re also backed by science. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), employees in pet-friendly workplaces are not only happier, but they’re also healthier.  

Even employees who don’t own pets report higher engagement levels when their workplace is pet friendly. 

However, it’s not just about cute dogs trotting around the office. It’s also about the tangible benefits pets provide, such as: 

• Reduced Stress: Pets are proven to lower stress levels and blood pressure, which keeps employees more relaxed and focused. 
• Increased Physical Activity: Dog owners are more likely to take walks during the workday, which leads to healthier employees. 
• Improved Morale: A workplace filled with friendly faces (including furry ones) makes for a more supportive and inclusive environment. 

In short, allowing employees to bring their pets to work can have a huge impact on overall productivity and mental health. Plus, it’s a nice bonus when they have the opportunity to cuddle with their pup while working on that big presentation. 

Pet Benefits: A Win-Win for Employees and Employers 

Another way to support the animal-human bond is by offering voluntary pet benefits. Most pet benefits are no-cost-to-offer for employers and offer an affordable way to give your employees even more peace of mind when faced with inflation and the rising cost of pet care.   

Voluntary pet benefits can include: 

• Pet insurance: Help employees offset the cost of veterinary care, which has risen dramatically in recent years.  
• Discounts Pet Care Plans: Savings on vet care, prescriptions, food, grooming services, 24/7 pet telehealth, and more. 
• Pet Wellness Plans: You can also offer your employees plans that cover everything from regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative services. 

Companies who offer pet benefits don’t just earn employee gratitude; they also see a boost in employee retention and engagement. In fact, HABRI’s research showed that companies offering pet-friendly benefits tend to have higher ratings on employee retention and engagement than companies that don’t. 

If you want your company to stand out and show employees you’re really invested in their well-being, pet benefits are an easy win.  

National Employee Benefits Day offers the perfect opportunity to show your employees some extra love – and show their pets a little appreciation too. 

Practical Tips for Celebrating National Employee Benefits Day 

Now, let’s talk about how you can celebrate National Employee Benefits Day in a way that resonates with your team: 

• Promote Your Employee Benefits: Educate employees on all the great perks you already offer. From wellness initiatives to paid time off, make sure everyone knows the full scope of what is available. 
• Get Creative with Wellness: Introduce new ways to support mental well-being. Perhaps you could offer “quiet time” or organize a group meditation session, for instance.  
• Bring the Pets to Work: If your office isn’t already pet-friendly, consider starting a “Take Your Pet to Work Day.” Or, give employees more flexibility when it comes to taking time off to care for their pets. 
• Add Voluntary Pet Benefits: If you don’t already offer pet benefits, National Employee Benefits Day is the perfect time to start! Unlike human benefits, most pet benefits offer the option to enroll at any time of the year, not just during open enrollment.  

This National Employee Benefits Day, Create a Positive Workplace Culture 

As National Employee Benefits Day rolls around, take a few moments to appreciate the important role employee benefits play in creating a healthy and happy workplace environment.  

After all, happy employees are loyal employees, and that’s always worth celebrating. 

Want to learn more about how pet benefits can boost your workplace culture? Visit Pet Benefits Solutions today!