Pawternity leave: Should HR take this perk seriously?

The emergence of snazzy benefits hit a tipping point last year when offices were suddenly brimming with beanbag chairs

BY Emily Douglas 13 Jun 2018

The emergence of modern and snazzy benefits hit a tipping point last year when offices were suddenly brimming with beanbag chairs and Gin dispensers.

And, though these perks were naturally well-received, they might not have offered as much practical help as other benefits plans. A new offering could combine the best of both these worlds, offering Millennial employees the trendiness they crave whilst also providing some usefulness – Pawternity leave.

Pawternity leave is annual holiday given to an employee who has just acquired a new pet. The scheme works much the same way as parental leave, offering employees who’ve just welcomed a furry new addition to their family to take time off for essential bonding.

Most recently, a Nordic company has been the latest to take up the pet perk. Musti Group, pet supply chain in the Nordic countries, will be giving employees three days of paid leave to look after a new pet. Which will undoubtedly come in handy, considering 90% of employees have at least one furry friend at home.

“Pets always come first in everything we do, and that’s why Pawternity leave is a natural step in developing our culture,” David Rönnberg, CEO of Musti Group, explains.

“Adopting a pet is a significant decision and changes everyday life considerably. We want to support our employees during their first days with their new family member and ensure that they can enjoy those precious moments to the fullest.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IDfh1mVCZU&feature=youtu.be

And whilst Pawternity leave is gaining momentum in European countries, does it have a place in Canada? Shoppers Drug Mart allows employees to take an allocated amount of bereavement days off following a loss in the family – which does extend to a pet.