More companies across the U.S. are asking for pet bereavement leave

us news

by Anita Borle

A surge in pet bereavement policies is causing American companies to reflect.

A 2023 Pew Research survey revealed that 62 percent of Americans own a pet, and a whopping 97 percent consider their furry friends to be relatives, making them more likely than ever to own a pet. More and more animal lovers consider them part of the family.

And with pet ownership booming during the pandemic, it makes sense for the U.S. workforce to adapt to the evolving culture, experts say.

“This is a great way to show a new generation of workforce that we care about them beyond their job title and that we understand that their lives outside of work impact their work.” says Directorie CEO and author of Pets are Family. ” Erica Sinner told Axios.

The New York Times reported in February that more companies are evaluating their bereavement policies, increasing the resources available to bereavement responders.

A San Jose study found that companies that implemented pet bereavement options had higher employee morale, retention, and company loyalty, and created a less stressful environment.

However, only a few companies currently offer this option.

Last year, a 12-hour conference was held in Los Angeles that brought together the nation's top thought leaders in the emerging field of employee pet benefits.

Among the initiatives discussed were cremains, bereavement, dogs in the office, insurance discounts, and bringing pets into the workplace.

Google, along with IMAX, Starbucks, United Airlines, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Zoom, has already allowed employees to bring pets into the workplace since the 1990s, and the conference discussed increasing workplace support for pet owners. ing.

Ms Sinner, who has lost her beloved dog, said it was important to “normalize” talking about grief.

Currently, only California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington generally offer some form of bereavement policy.

She believes pet loss is a step in the right direction.

“I think a good way to do that is to have policies that are clear-cut,” Sinner added.