American companies are taking a paws to reflect — as a push for pet bereavement policies spike.
More animal lovers consider their pets a part of their family than ever before with a 2023 Pew Research study revealing that 62 percent of Americans own pets and a staggering 97 percent consider furry friends kin.
And with pet ownership booming during the pandemic experts say its only natural the U.S. workforce adapt to the evolving culture.
“It’s a great way to signal to the new generation of workforce to show that you care about them beyond their job titles and that you understand that life outside of work impacts them at work,” CEO of Directorie and author of “Pets are Family,” Erika Sinner told Axios.
More companies have been evaluating their policies on bereavement with more support resources offered to those dealing with the loss, the New York Times reported in February.
Companies who have included pet bereavement options have improved employee morale, retention rates, company loyalty and created an environment with less stress, according to a San Jose study.
But presently only a few companies have the option on offer.
Last year, a 12-hour conference was held in Los Angeles that gathered the nation’s top thought leaders in the emerging field of employee pet benefits.
Pawternity, bereavement days, dog-boarding in the office, discounted insurance and bringing pets to work were among the initiatives discussed.
Google, who have already allowed workers to bring pets to work since the 90s along with IMAX, Starbucks, United Airlines, Walmart, Whole Foods and Zoom, are among those at the conference discussing more workplace support for pet owners.
Sinner — who personally experienced the loss of her dog — said it’s important to “normalize” talking about grief.
Currently only California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon and Washington offer some sort of bereavement policy in general.
She believes that pet bereavement is a step in the right direction.
“I think a nice way to do that is to have a policy that’s black and white,” Sinner added.
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