At a recent Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) event, faculty from the School of Human Resource Management (SHRM) shared insights on the growing movement toward pet-friendly workplace policies – a trend reshaping employee expectations in the post-pandemic era.
Souha R. Ezzedeen, associate professor of Human Resource Management with a PhD in the field, and Tina Sharifi, PhD candidate, led the session Paws at Work: How Dog-Friendly Culture Boosts Employee Well-Being. Their presentation explored how evolving relationships between people and their canine companions are influencing workplace culture, inclusion and work-life integration.
The discussion highlighted emerging research showing that pet-friendly policies can reduce stress, boost morale and improve work outcomes – benefits that resonate strongly with Millennials and Gen Z, who increasingly view pets as family members.
“Recent Canadian surveys show that nearly 80% of dog owners believe it’s important for their workplace to be dog friendly, and more than half say companies with dog-friendly cultures genuinely care more about their people,” says Sharifi. “Yet very few workplaces offer these perks – even though 60% of pet owners would leave a job that doesn’t meet their pet care needs, and over 40% would accept a pay cut for a pet-friendly environment.”
Sharifi and Ezzedeen emphasized that implementing pet-friendly policies requires thoughtful planning to balance diverse employee needs and organizational contexts. Strategies range from high-commitment initiatives – such as on-site pet visits and designated pet-friendly spaces – to low-commitment options like flexible time off for vet appointments, bereavement leave for pet loss and financial support for pet insurance. These approaches not only enhance employee well-being but also strengthen organizational reputation and talent retention.
Hosted by HRPA’s Central Chapter, the event attracted HR professionals seeking practical guidance on adapting to cultural shifts and generational trends that increasingly intertwine personal and professional life. As workplaces navigate return-to-office mandates and rising living costs, LA&PS experts argue that pet-friendly policies are no longer a perk, they’re a strategic advantage.