The Purina Pets at Work research also found that 95 percent of respondents said pets made them happier employees, with 71 percent saying it helped reduce their stress levels. It also helped support employee routines while working from home, with 48 percent of respondents stating pets gave them a reason to get outside more, with 44 percent being reminded to take more breaks.

More than half (60 percent) of respondents ranked spending more time with their pet as a top-three benefit of working from home last year, with 81 percent saying it was a major perk.

According to the research though, most (80 percent) won’t always be taking their pet with them when they return to the office. More than half (65 percent) of these respondents say they feel some sort of anxiety about being away from their pets. Furthermore, almost three quarters (70 percent) are concerned that their pet will exhibit signs of separation anxiety when they return to work.

Purina New Zealand General Manager, Reuben Inglis said it doesn’t have to be this way.

“It is well documented that having dogs and cats in our lives is not only good for our mental and physical health, but also for our pets too! Our hope for 2022 is that more New Zealand offices consider becoming pet friendly.

“Our ‘Pets at Work’, movement is designed to encourage and support organisations to make their work environments pet friendly. It doesn’t need to be daunting.

Purina provides information for both employers and employees to help them make the transition to having pets in the office as easy as possible. This includes top tips from Purina Vet Expert, Dr Zara Boland for those looking to bring pets to work, and advice for caring for those whose pets will be left at home.