economy
Back-up care benefits at work go beyond kids, aging parents as more employers pay for pets
Companies are expanding employee benefits to cover a wide variety of caregiving needs, including back-up care for children, aging parents, and pets.
TL;DR
- Back-up pet care is emerging as a popular employee benefit, alongside care for children and aging parents.
- 75% of pet owners have missed work in the past year due to pet-care issues, according to a Wagmo survey.
- Companies like Wellthy and Bright Horizons offer pet care services, including concierge services, walkers, sitters, and emergency boarding.
- The expansion of pet care benefits is driven by the return-to-office mandates and the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic.
- Pet care benefits fit into a larger mission to support families' diverse needs, reduce stress, and improve workforce productivity and retention.