Document type: Answer from the European Commission to Question E-001241/2024
Authors: question: Matteo Gazzini (PPE). Answer: Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission
Question
A recent study conducted by the University of Milano-Bicocca has highlighted the positive connection between a good state of mind and job performance in people who come to work with their pets. There were also found to be benefits for the pets themselves, when these might otherwise be forced to spend hours on their own, waiting for their owner to return home. The strong bond between humans and their pets is increasingly leading countries to adopt legislation that promotes this connection. Such is the case in Chile, which at this very time is deciding whether to adopt a law granting a day of bereavement and justified absence from school for anyone whose pet has died.
Can the Commission therefore state whether, in light of the above, and to foster the benefits deriving from the positive connection between owners and their pets, it will consider adopting EU legislation to facilitate the presence of pets at the workplace?
Answer The Commission does not currently have plans to consider adopting EU legislation to facilitate the presence of pets at the workplace. It is also not aware of any specific legislation regarding pets in the workplace at the Member State level.
Employers could set their own policies regarding pets at work, in dialogue with workers and their representatives, provided that they are in line with other applicable EU and national legislation.
In effect social dialogue and collective bargaining play a central role in adapting working conditions to meet new and emerging needs.
The Commission is supporting social dialogue through various actions, including through the recent Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue and in the context of the European Semester.
Under EU legislation, employers have a duty to assess occupational health and safety risks and to put in place the resulting preventive and protective measures.
Moreover, when implementing possible changes to working conditions, employers would also need to safeguard health and safety of workers, considering the specific characteristics of their tasks and their workplace. Additionally, the EU and national rules related to animal welfare may apply.
The Commission is also mindful of the importance of mental health, including at the workplace. In June 2023, the Commission adopted a communication for a comprehensive approach on mental health featuring several actions to address psychosocial risks at the workplace, and including a peer review on legislative and enforcement approaches in the Member States.
