304: From Perk to Priority: Why Pet Benefits Are the Future of Workplace Culture with Michelle Yates

Gut + Science

Pets at work? 🐶 Yes, please!

In this episode, Nikki teams up with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners to explore why pet perks are no longer just cute extras—they're culture-shaping power moves. From pet bereavement to paw-ternity leave and “pet working” events 🐾, they dish out creative, doable ways to bring more tail wags and team vibes into your workplace.

Whether your team is remote or in-office, get ready for a dose of joy, strategy, and a whole lotta heart. ❤️

Additional Resources:

Download the Insider's Guide to Getting the Most out of your Voluntary Benefits

Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Dogs at Work Guide!

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Learn more about PetPartners

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Pet benefits aren’t just perks—they’re engagement, recruitment, and retention tools.
• Customization is key: pet culture at work can range from simple Slack channels to pet stipends and mascots.
• Pet-related grief is real, and bereavement leave for pet loss matters deeply to employees.
• Bringing pets into culture discussions builds bonds and fosters community—virtually or in person.

Works Cited:

• KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024.
• Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them.

For terms and conditions visit: www.petpartners.com/sample-policies. Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).