Coventry named city with most dog-friendly workplaces in new study

Coventry: It turns out Coventry is the best place in the UK for dog-friendly workplaces. A study by Rover.com found that over a third of dog owners would skip a job if they couldn’t bring their furry pals along.

The study showed that more than 25% of workplaces have become dog-friendly in just the last couple of years. This change is great for everyone, as it helps reduce stress and boosts team spirit.

Currently, about a third of workplaces have policies that welcome dogs. Coventry leads the pack with 57%, followed by Newcastle at 49%, Brighton at 47%, Oxford at 44%, and Leicester at 40%. London, surprisingly, is at the bottom of the top 10 with 37%.

The research highlights a shift in culture, with 47% of dog owners now expecting their workplaces to be dog-friendly. Interestingly, 29% of them would even take a pay cut to have their dogs at work, and 20% would pass on their dream job if it didn’t allow dogs.

The full list of dog-friendly cities includes Coventry, Newcastle, Brighton, Oxford, and Leicester, among others.

On a fun note, about 1 in 4 workers have given their dogs “honorary” job titles like ‘Chief Fun Operator’ and ‘CEO of Happiness and Cuddles.’ But not everyone feels comfortable bringing their dogs to work—34% of people said they wouldn’t.

Some reasons include worries about their dogs being too excitable or needing better training. Others just think their pups would be too stressed in a busy office. For those who can’t bring their dogs, some rely on friends or pet care services, while others leave their pets home alone during work hours.

Jovana Teodorovic, Rover’s VP of People and Culture, mentioned that the demand for flexible, dog-friendly policies is growing. She believes these workplaces are becoming essential for attracting and keeping talent. Companies that adapt to this trend can create a welcoming environment that appeals to both current and potential employees.

For those workplaces that don’t allow pets yet, Rover offers flexible pet care options. This way, employees can arrange for a sitter or dog walker, ensuring their pets are safe while they focus on work.

Are you part of a dog-friendly business? Or do you take your dog to work? Share your story by emailing priyanka.patel@reachplc.com.

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