The manufacturing industry is facing a perfect storm of workforce challenges—labor shortages, productivity losses, and escalating healthcare costs—all while trying to support a multigenerational workforce with diverse needs. Front-line workers and salaried employees alike are struggling with stress, financial strain, and the demands of caregiving, which directly impact their ability to stay engaged and productive.
One often-overlooked solution that addresses these challenges head-on is pet benefits. By providing employer-sponsored pet care support, manufacturers can reduce absenteeism, improve employee well-being, and offer a benefit that resonates across generations—creating a supported, more engaged workforce.
55% of pet parents have used at least one sick day to care for their pet—whether due to a last-minute emergency, a late night caring for a sick pet, or a veterinarian visit that can’t wait. This not only impacts employees personally but also affects businesses through lost productivity, unplanned absences, and added stress that can distract employees from their work.
More and more leading manufacturing and CPG organizations are adopting pet benefits as part of their people strategy, including PepsiCo. “We’ve had human telehealth benefits for human members for many years, and it’s exciting to extend support to the whole family, pets included,’ said Duncan Micallef, SVP & Global Head of Total Rewards at PepsiCo. “Airvet has been a great partner and is the newest way that we support pet families.”
Airvet’s accessibility makes it a valuable benefit for employees at every level, from salaried professionals to hourly team members. Unlike voluntary benefits like pet insurance, which primarily offer cost relief, Airvet goes beyond financial assistance to provide immediate, comprehensive support when employees need it most.
According to our research, the number one reason pet parents don’t have pet insurance is cost. The financial strain of pet ownership affects employees across all roles, and without proper pet benefits, they bear these unexpected costs alone. This financial stress not only impacts their well-being but also their job satisfaction and productivity.
Comprehensive pet benefits ensure every employee—from front-line workers to executives—feels seen and supported. By helping financially vulnerable employees access care sooner, Airvet not only saves them money on treatment but also reduces lost wages from taking time off to visit the vet.
The battle for talent is fierce, and turnover is costly—especially for manufacturing and frontline roles. Pet benefits offer a powerful competitive edge by attracting new hires with family-friendly benefits, employer sponsored pet benefits that extend to their pets and improving retention with a benefit employees across generations can use.
In fact, 77% say that working for a company that sees pets as family makes them feel more included in the workplace. By recognizing the role pets play in employees’ lives, companies can foster a culture of belonging while offering meaningful support that enhances both job satisfaction and loyalty.
Households with pets outnumber those with children by 2 to 1. This reflects a huge shift in how we define family, with pets becoming a central part of our lives across generations—millennials, Gen Z, and boomers alike.
By supporting pet ownership, employers can support their employees no matter where they are on their life journey. Whether they’re in Gen Z getting their first cat, and job, or empty nesters who adopted a dog from the local shelter, pet benefits provide relief across all life stages.
According to a recent report by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, pet ownership saves $22.7 billion annually in human healthcare costs. These savings come from:
By providing comprehensive pet benefits, you’re not only giving your team peace of mind but also creating opportunities for healthier and happier employees—all at a fraction of the cost of other health-related benefits.
Ultimately, HR leaders in these industries need innovative, cost-effective solutions to support their complex workforce and reduce operational disruptions.
Airvet makes it easy: On-demand veterinary care gives employees instant support—reducing stress and keeping them present & engaged at work.Prioritizing pet-friendly benefits isn’t just a perk any more. They’re a smart, strategic move to support today’s workforce.
