Pet Care Leave: The Work-Life Benefit HR Can’t Ignore 🐶

Presented by

Hey there, HR trailblazers! 🌟

This week, we’re diving into why pet care leave is fast becoming a work-life benefit HR can’t ignore. As employee expectations evolve, providing leave for furry family members is just one way companies are rethinking work-life balance.

We’re also breaking down what truly drives employees to stay—or quit—and how a positive culture can transform loyalty.

Let’s explore how modern HR can meet these demands head-on!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Pet Leave at Work? Why Pet Parents are the New HR Debate 🐶 

• Shouting Isn’t Bullying? 50% of Workers Think So 📢

• Designing for an Aging Workforce: Why It Matters More Than Ever 🏢

• Why Employees Stay (or Leave): The Retention Puzzle 🧩

Overwhelmed by HR Software Options? 😵

I get it, you've got a lot on your plate and don't have time to become an expert in the ever-evolving world of HR tech.

That's why I recommend SSR's free HR software matching service — perfect for HR teams who need help selecting the right HR tools. After asking you a few quick questions, SSR’s HR experts will tailor a custom vendor shortlist for you and support your buying process.

This is a free service and there is no obligation to choose a particular solution (they are vendor-agnostic), and have a 4.9/5 star rating from the HR teams they’ve helped.

Save yourself time, stress, and guesswork—let SSR handle it!

📈 Trending news

• HR Meets Robots: 6 Trends Shaping the Future of Talent

• Leading Like MrBeast: 3 Key Lessons from His Toughest Year Yet

• 7 Smart Strategies to Slash Recruitment Costs

• Why 35% of Employees Eye Change

Pet Leave at Work? Why Pet Parents are the New HR Debate 🐶 read the full 767-word article here

Article published: November 18, 2024

The HR Grapevine article "Puppy Love" highlights the growing trend of paid leave for pet care, covering new pets and bereavement. This trend is gaining traction, particularly in NYC, where proposed legislation aims to include pet care in sick leave laws. Advocates stress its importance, while critics argue it burdens coworkers.

Key Takeaways:

• 🐾 NYC leads on pet leave legislation: Proposals include pet bereavement and sick leave, signaling a shift in workplace flexibility and wellbeing priorities.

• 📊 Employee demand is real: 75% of surveyed pet owners missed work due to pet needs; 26% missed six or more days, showing real impact.

• 🏢 Divided corporate response: Some businesses embrace flexibility, while others worry about fairness and productivity trade-offs.

• ⚖️ Flexibility vs. tradition: As post-pandemic norms shift, debates around pet leave highlight evolving definitions of work-life balance.

Shouting Isn’t Bullying? 50% of Workers Think So 📢 read the full 1,155-word article here

Article published: November 11, 2024

The HR Zone article by Tina Chander reveals that 50% of employees don't view shouting as bullying, according to a Wright Hassall survey. Additionally, 57% are uncertain if behaviors like jokes or exclusion qualify as bullying. This awareness gap fosters toxic workplaces, emphasizing the need for clear policies, training, and leadership commitment.

Key Takeaways:

• 📣 50% don’t see shouting as bullying: A shocking number of employees think yelling is “normal,” revealing a dangerous tolerance for abusive behavior.

• 🔍 Awareness gap widens bullying’s reach: Many employees don’t recognize behaviors like jokes or exclusions as bullying, exacerbating toxic cultures.

• 🚨 Lack of training compounds silence: Over 26% of employees don’t know how to act if bullied, signaling a failure in workplace education and policy clarity.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Leaders must model respect: A positive culture starts with management, requiring clear anti-bullying stances and safe reporting channels.

Designing for an Aging Workforce: Why It Matters More Than Ever 🏢 read the full 789-word article here

Article published: November 14, 2024

The Worklife article by Tony Case highlights the challenge of adapting workplaces for an aging workforce, as workers 75+ become the fastest-growing segment. Despite only 4% of companies fully committing to older workers, modifications like ergonomic furniture and flexible hours can boost morale, reduce turnover, and foster inclusivity for all employees.

Key Takeaways:

• 👵 75+ workforce fastest-growing: Older workers are staying employed longer, driving an urgent need for age-friendly workplace adaptations.

• 🏥 Health accommodations are critical: 2 in 5 seniors manage disabilities; tailored solutions like ergonomic tools and healthier environments can help.

• ⚖️ Legal protections in place: Laws like the Age Discrimination Act ensure older employees’ rights to workplace adjustments, challenging employers to adapt.

• 📈 Inclusivity boosts business: Retaining older talent leads to reduced turnover and a stronger, more diverse team, benefiting all age groups.

Why Employees Stay (or Leave): The Retention Puzzle 🧩 read the full 965-word article here

Article published: November 14, 2024

The SHRM article by Nina Xiang highlights key 2024 retention trends. Toxic work environments, not low pay, are the top reason employees leave (32.4%), while only 15.3% of employers recognize this. Positive culture keeps 83.4% of employees, with many willing to trade pay for better balance, signaling a shift in loyalty factors.

Key Takeaways:

• 💼 Culture tops pay as a retention driver: Toxic workplaces drive exits, with 32.4% citing it as their main reason for leaving—well above pay dissatisfaction.

• 🤝 Disconnect between employees and employers: Only 15.3% of employers think toxic environments matter, revealing a major perception gap in turnover reasons.

• 🕒 Flexibility trumps cash: 50.9% of workers would accept lower pay for better work/life balance, reflecting a desire for more holistic well-being.

• 🌱 Growth and inclusivity matter: Career advancement and inclusive, positive workplaces are critical for retaining top talent in a competitive market.

Why It Matters

Redefining benefits like pet care leave and addressing why employees stay or go is more than trendy HR talk—it’s about building workplaces that truly support people.

From flexibility to fostering culture, these shifts impact retention, engagement, and employee happiness.

Ready to lead the change? Until next time!

Sophia Bennett
Editor-in-Chief
HR Insights Today

PS - Do check out SSR’s free HR software matching service. As you know, buying HR software can be stressful and time-consuming. SSR helps you find the right HR software at the right price, saving you both time and money!