PRESS RELEASE
In a groundbreaking move to support pet-loving employees, MTD Training, a five-time award-winning management, leadership, and sales training firm, has announced the introduction of ‘Pawternity Leave’ and ‘Furwell Leave’.
Recognising the strong emotional bond between people and their pets, CEO Sean McPheat has implemented these unique benefits to ensure staff members can welcome new pets into their home, or grieve the loss of their beloved ones without any added stress.
Both initiatives were introduced as policies in August 2024 with the aim of supporting employees through significant life moments involving their pets.
Employees are entitled to three days of leave when they welcome a new pet into their home.
The time can be used to help the new pet settle in, bond with their new family, and adjust to their new environment.
Being present during these early stages is crucial for building a strong, trusting relationship with the new pet.
A few of the team have had their beloved family pets pass away or become very ill over the last year and it’s been hard to see them go through such tough times.
Those members of staff we allowed the time they needed to grieve so MTD felt it would be a good idea to formalise it.
Moving forward, any employee who experiences the loss of a pet are granted three days of leave to grieve and manage their emotional wellbeing.
Both of these new benefits are a testament to MTD Training’s forward-thinking approach to employee welfare, recognising the importance of pets in their lives. The company has already trained staff from over 9,000 organisations and continues to lead with innovative and empathetic workplace policies.
Lewis McKinnell with Jasper, Sean McPheat – CEO, and Emily Hayward with Mac
Sean McPheat personally understands the heartache of losing a pet, having experienced it firsthand. His empathy for his employees’ emotional wellbeing led to the establishment of these compassionate leave policies.
Sean explains:
“Pets are an integral part of our families, bringing immense joy and companionship. Losing a pet or welcoming a new one can be significant life events that require time for adjustment and healing.
At MTD, we’re committed to supporting our employees through all of life’s moments.
‘Pawternity Leave’ allows our staff to spend crucial time with their new pets, ensuring a smooth transition. Similarly, ‘Furwell Leave’ provides necessary time for grieving and coming to terms with the loss of a furry family member.”
Emily Hayward, Finance Manager, adds:
“Working for a company that offers ‘Pawternity Leave’ has been a game-changer for me as a new dog owner. It shows that MTD Training truly cares about our personal lives and wellbeing, making it an incredibly supportive place to work.”
The introduction of ‘Pawternity’ and ‘Furwell’ leave highlights a growing recognition of the importance of pets in people’s lives. For many, pets are not just animals but cherished members of the family.
They provide emotional support, companionship, and even health benefits like reduced stress and increased physical activity. By acknowledging the significant role pets play, MTD Training is setting a precedent for other companies to follow.
MTD has always prioritised the wellbeing of its employees.
This latest initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a supportive and understanding workplace. By offering leave for significant pet-related events, MTD not only enhances employee satisfaction but also promotes a healthy work-life balance.
This policy is expected to boost morale, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity as employees feel more valued and understood.
Lewis McKinnell, Marketing Manager, emphasises:
“These policies are a testament to the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing. By acknowledging the importance of pets in our lives, it helps to create a more compassionate and supportive work environment that truly values each individual’s emotional health and family life.”
Sean McPheat’s leadership style emphasises empathy and understanding. His personal experience with pet loss has fuelled his commitment to introducing the policies at MTD Training.
This approach is reflected in the company’s overall culture, which values and respects the personal lives and emotional needs of its employees. By creating such an environment, the company not only attracts top talent but also retains it.
Sean ensures that compassion is woven into the fabric of MTD Training by regularly engaging with employees, encouraging open communication, and providing support during difficult times. His hands-on approach and genuine concern for his team’s wellbeing have set a standard for compassionate leadership within the organisation.
These values are further demonstrated through initiatives like Pawternity Leave and Furwell Leave, which recognise the significant role pets play in the lives of employees. By acknowledging these bonds, Sean reinforces the importance of empathy and support, making MTD Training a place where employees feel truly valued and understood.
MTD Training’s innovative policies are likely to influence other companies within the industry. As businesses compete for talent, offering unique benefits such as ‘Pawternity’ and ‘Furwell’ leave can be a differentiating factor.
It reflects a broader trend towards more comprehensive employee benefits that cater to the diverse needs of the modern workforce.
By expanding our view on employee welfare and embracing the emotional needs related to pet ownership, MTD Training is setting a new standard in workplace compassion and support. As other companies observe the benefits of such policies, we can anticipate a broader adoption of pet-friendly leave in various industries, paving the way for a more empathetic corporate world.
For media enquiries, please contact: Lewis McKinnell
Email: [email protected]
Updated on: 16 September, 2024
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