Rover Group Inc.
09/28/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/28/2021 01:29
Let Marley in meetings and we’ll return to office, Brits say
Research by Rover finds dog-friendly policies rank higher than traditional office perks, including annual bonuses and Christmas parties
London UK, September 28, 2021: Rover.com®, the world's largest network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers, has today revealed that two-thirds (66 per cent) of dog owners would be more motivated to work in the office, rather than at home, if it were dog-friendly. The research comes as Rover reveals its Best Dog-Friendly Companies 2021 reportand follows its recent survey that found 42 per cent* of dog owners had welcomed a new dog into their family since the start of the pandemic.
Such is the want for pet colleagues that Brits even confessed to pups over PG Tips, with one in three (30 per cent) willing to give up free tea and coffee in order to have dogs in the office. Nearly one in five of respondents would welcome allowing dogs in the office over private healthcare, flexible hours and Christmas parties, while one in six (14 per cent) said they would even forgo an annual bonus!
However, it appears workers are also aware of the perils of office pooches, with more than half (52 per cent) of dog owners agreeing that 'having a little accident' in the office would be the most embarrassing behaviour their dog could display at work. Other cringe-worthy concerns include 'cocking a leg' up a desk (48 per cent) and having 'romantic urges' with an office object or their boss' leg (33 per cent).
Rover's research also revealed that it's not just workers who see the benefits of dogs in the office. Over four fifths (82 per cent) of businesses featured in this year's Best Dog-Friendly Companies report claim that being dog-friendly has positively impacted the hiring of new recruits in a competitive jobs market.
Rover's extensive search revealed the businesses in the UK which had done the most to accommodate both owners and their pets, with consumer research company, Attest, taking the top spot. Rover's Best Dog-Friendly Companies in the UK, include:
- Attest
- TaskRabbit Ltd
- Itch Petcare Limited
- Tailwise
- Procore Technologies
- Slightly Foxed
- Hug Pet Food
- Kontor
- Papier
- Tessian
Following a surge in pet adoption during the pandemic, it appears companies have been quick to react - one-third (30 per cent) of those featured in this year's Best Dog-Friendly Companies report have added additional dog-friendly company perks since March 2020. Some of the benefits offered include paid leave following adoption and bereavement, as well as the provision of pet birthday gifts and, in the case of Procore Technologies, dog-friendly happy hours known as "pawties".
If you're a company looking to make your office more pet friendly, or still trying to navigate working from home with your pet, visit the Rover websitefor more tips and to enter your company for the next report.
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact:
[email protected] / 020 7592 1200
About the research:
Rover's 2021 Best Dog-Friendly Companies were awarded based on Rover's proprietary ranking which polled 17 dog-friendly companies across the U.K. Each company was awarded points based on key dog-centric benefits including, paid time off for new pet parents and pet bereavement, as well as a financial stipend for pet health insurance, adopting a pet and pet care services. Secondary data was collected through a Rover consumer research conducted on 17th August 2021 via Pollfish, totalling 1,000 UK respondents and a separate study* on 3rd June 2021 via Pollfish, totalling 500 UK dog owner respondents.
About Rover:
Founded in 2011 and operating in ten countries, Rover® is the world's largest network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers. Rover connects dog and cat owners with loving pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy day care.
Rover makes it easier for people to have pet love in their lives through the Rover Guarantee, 24/7 support, and GPS walk mapping. And by sharing expertise onThe Dog People blog, a trusted resource for millions of dog and cat parents worldwide, Rover provides tips and articles that delight, inform, and enhance the bond between people and their pets. To learn more about Rover, please visithttps://www.rover.com/uk/.
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