Stifel Equity Research says that millennials will make up nearly 50% of the workforce by 2020. Companies looking to attract those younger employees are trying to develop more ‘millennial-friendly’ workplaces; but before you add snacks, game tables or bean bags, look to the perk that millennials really want: flexibility.
In 2015, the Society for Human Resource Management did a survey that found just 8% of American workplaces allow their employees to bring their dogs to work, but that’s up from 5% in 2013. The same survey found that 9% of companies, including Google, offered pet health insurance.
The president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association, Bob Vetere, says that employers are starting to realize that allowing millennials to bring their pets work gives them more focused employees who are more comfortable at the office, and who are more willing to work longer hours.
This year, Banfield Pet Hospital conducted its first Pet-Friendly Workplace PAWrometer (Pets at Work barometer); they surveyed more than 1,000 employees and 200 human resources decision makers from across the U.S., asking about their perception of pets in the office. They found that nearly 25% of those surveyed worked in pet-friendly offices, but those that did thought it greatly improved their workplace.
Those that worked in pet-friendly workplaces believed their companies’ policy on pets increased productivity, loyalty to the company and decreased stress levels. Employees felt their mental burdens were lifted because they weren’t worrying about leaving their pets at home alone.
While it’s true that a pet-friendly workplace improves the lives of existing employees, these workplaces are also proving to be a huge draw for new talent.
Tami Majer, senior vice president of People and Organization at Banfield, says that allowing pets in the workplace can offer companies a competitive edge. “It’s a benefit/amenity that companies are bringing to the table to recruit employees, especially with respect to millennials,” Majer told Fortune.
More than 66% of the human resources decision makers surveyed by Banfield said potential candidates ask about whether or not the workplace is pet-friendly or not during the interview process.
It also seems that pet-friendly policies are conducive to employee retention; 53% of employees in those workplaces who do not allow pets say they would be more likely to stay with their company if they could bring their pets to work.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
