How pet sitting benefits the remote working experience

Is your remote working experience negatively impacted by feelings of loneliness, difficulty connecting with colleagues, or an uneven work-life balance? Well, our new survey suggests that pet sitting might just be the perfect solution.

TrustedHousesitters conducted an in-depth survey of over 2,000 members to learn more about pets’ role in the remote working experience. The biggest takeaway? Pet sitting significantly benefits remote and hybrid workers, with roughly 91% of respondents agreeing that caring for pets has improved their overall remote working experience.

The survey findings also suggest that most home workers consider the benefits provided by pets to be irreplaceable, with roughly two-thirds (65%) of respondents saying they wouldn’t even consider a new role that didn’t offer a hybrid or remote working option. 

On TrustedHousesitters, pet sitting is incredibly popular for remote workers, and over half (54%) of remote and hybrid respondents say they pet sit at least once a month or more. While these initial findings certainly prove that pets do benefit remote workers, we wanted to dive deeper by exploring exactly how pet sitting impacts remote workers and why they’re turning to pet sitting opportunities more and more. 

From mental health benefits to a better work-life balance, explore all the benefits pet sitting provides to remote working experiences below! 

How pets benefit the remote worker

According to the TrustedHousesitters Remote Worker Survey, pets and pet sitting benefit remote workers in these key areas:

1. Work-related stress

Decades of research show that interactions with pets can increase levels of oxytocin, the so-called “cuddle hormone,” in the brain, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Interactions with pets are especially beneficial for remote workers, with 9 out of 10 respondents (91%) agreeing that working in the company of animals reduces their feelings of work-related stress.

2. Loneliness

Pets help offer companionship during otherwise isolated workdays, and half (50%) of respondents said pets reduce feelings of loneliness while working remotely. Additionally, 27% of respondents appreciate how pets or pet sitting offers talking points to connect with their colleagues and facilitate conversations.

3. Work-life balance

Nearly half (49%) of respondents said pets benefit their remote working experience by forcing them to take a break from their screen during the workday. These pet-approved breaks are not only essential to remote workers’ physical health by reducing eye strain and muscle fatigue, but the breaks are also essential for mental health. Stepping away from the computer helps remote workers maintain their focus and productivity, stay energized, and reduce stress.

4. Healthy habits

44% said that pets benefit their remote working experience by encouraging them to keep a daily routine. Furthermore, roughly 66% of remote workers said taking care of a pet benefits them by getting them to go outdoors at least once during the workday. Daily routines and sunlight-fuelled breaks are some of the healthiest habits remote workers can adopt, with studies showing that both reduce stress and depression by creating a sense of balance and well-being.

5. Overall remote working lifestyle

Nearly all (98%) respondents said pet sitting with TrustedHousesitters has improved their lifestyle. Of the remote workers who pet sit, the opportunity to visit places they wouldn't have otherwise visited is the greatest benefit pet sitting provides to the remote working experience (74%). 

When 5 p.m. rolls around, pet sitting remote workers are met with countless opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. Whether by taking relaxing walks to decompress after the workday, exploring a new city with a furry friend, or experiencing quality, real-life connections with locals at pet-friendly hangout spots - pet sitting not only improves the remote workday; it improves the remote working lifestyle as a whole.

Real experiences from our remote working members

Pet sitting gives remote workers the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and balanced working experience with companionship, reduced stress, better physical and mental health, and a connection to the outside world. 

If you’re in need of a fuzzy, fluffy, or feathery new work companion, why not browse our latest pet sitting opportunities today?