Ca-nine to five: One in five UK workplaces allow pets in the office

According to research, one-fifth of UK workplaces now allow employees to bring pets into the office, yet a similar proportion (22%) of workers have complained about the furry companions.

The survey by online job board CV-Library found that when it comes to the personal effect of animals in the workplace, there is clear evidence of a “gender pet gap”. According to the data:

• Nearly half (46%) of women believe that having a pet at work eases stress and helps relaxation, compared to 29% of men
• 21% of women believes it makes them feel more friendly or approachable, compared to 14% of men
• 40% of men accuse pets of being distracting in the workplace, in contrast to 30% of women
• Nearly one-fifth of men (19%) go as far to call pets annoying in the workplace

The result of the “gender pet gap” led to a shocking 12% of British men admitting to complaining about pets at work, in stark contrast to virtually no female complaints (1%).

In the eternal battle between cats and dogs, canines rule the workplace – making up 87% of all “professional” pets. Cats are clearly an unpopular option at work with only 5% admitting to having a feline in the workplace, and rabbits coming in third with 2%.

Across the country, London, with its trendy, mutt-ropolitan co-working spaces, leads pet allowance in the office with 27% of workers admitting to having them in the office. The South East (24%), Wales (22%) and Northern Ireland (22%) follow close behind. The East Midlands and the North East are the keenest to keep pets at home, with 91% and 87% of workplaces saying no.

In general, nearly half of Brits would like to see more workplaces allowing pets, but 20% suggest that strict policies from HR should be in place.
With bringing animals into the office becoming a growing trend, employers should sit up and take notice. 28% of Brits suggested that they’d be more likely to apply for a job if they have, or were allowed to bring in, furry friends in their working environment.

Editor’s Notes:
Research conducted from CV-Library via Survey Gizmo.

1 https://media.rspca.org.uk/media/facts