Pet Power – the Untapped Key to Boost UK Economy?

London, UK (PRWEB UK) 27 November 2012

63% of Britons surveyed also said they would take our pets to work with us if permitted. With 56% of those surveyed admitting that they often put the needs of their pets before those of their family it’s no wonder Britons worry about our pets home alone when we should be concentrating on work.

“Britain is known as a nation of ‘animal lovers’ but more than a quarter of us admit to leaving our pets alone for at least eight hours per day.” said Sarah Potter from pet insurers helpucover. "75% of us worry about our pets while we are at work and feel guilty about leaving them but do so as we have no choice.”

Helpucover’s findings were backed up by recent US research from Virginia Commonwealth University** which showed that having dogs at work reduced stress and made the working environment more satisfying for other employees as well. The study found that having dogs around the workplace may contribute to employee performance and satisfaction.

The research concluded that those with access to dogs were less stressed as the day went on than those who did not have a dog with them at work. The researchers also noted that stress rose significantly during the day when owners left their dogs at home compared to days they brought them to work.

Sarah Potter concluded “Past research has shown that stress can contribute to employee absenteeism and exhaustion therefore if a pet in the workplace reduces stress, more UK businesses could consider pets at work as a positive step to increase productivity”.

Dr Jackson, a veterinary surgeon with over 30 years experience says “Having your pet at work with you could be beneficial for both pets and workers. No more bored pets home alone and employee moods will be lifted, meaning a more productive work force. ”

Notes
*helpucover.co.uk surveyed 5000 pet owners in September 2012.
**The study was carried out by a team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University who looked at a manufacturing company where people are allowed to bring their pets to work.
They compared those who brought in their own pets, with those who had dogs - but left them at home - and staff who did not own pets. The preliminary study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management looked at 75 staff.

Notes to Editors
Notes
For media enquiries, please contact: Sarah Potter – 07833 095 594
Or sarah(dot)potter(at)cardifpinnacle(dot)com

Notes to Editors
About helpucover.co.uk
http://www.helpucover.co.uk is a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc - one of the UK's leading insurers, providing income protection. "Pinnacle Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority".

About Cardif Pinnacle
Cardif Pinnacle (a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc) is the UK insurance unit of BNP Paribas Cardif, which is the life and property & casualty arm of BNP Paribas.

Formed in 1971 and currently employing circa 650 staff in the UK, Cardif Pinnacle has established itself as a leading provider of Protection solutions. Cardif Pinnacle acquired Warranty Direct and Direct Life and Pension Services in 2008, specialists in the provision of warranty and life insurance products.

With an emphasis on quality of service for clients and customers, Cardif Pinnacle is a preferred partner to many of the UK's leading Banks, Building Societies, Finance Houses and Intermediaries.
http://www.cardifpinnacle.co.uk
http://www.helpucover.co.uk

About BNP Paribas Cardif

BNP Paribas Cardif (http://www.bnpparibascardif.com) is the Life, Property & Casualty insurance subsidiary of BNP Paribas. It develops savings and protection products and services which are distributed via diverse channels. Present in 36 countries, and with a diversified geographic footprint, BNP Paribas Cardif has strong positions in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

BNP Paribas Cardif is one of the top 10 European insurers*.

In 2011, it had gross written premiums of 23.3 billion euros and 53% of its gross written premiums are generated outside France. It counts nearly 10,000 employees, 70% of which outside France.

In its commitment in Corporate Social Responsibility, BNP Paribas Cardif develops responsible products and services, supports diversity in the company, puts in place an internal environmental policy and commits itself into the economic and financial education.

   •  Source: Internal BNP Paribas Cardif survey based on gross written premiums at 31 December 2010 published in competitors' corporate literature.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10169815.htm