Work-from-home interruption risk: Woof

Better mute that Zoom session or conference call. The mailman is here. A car is pulling in the driveway. Then there’s the doorbell. The doorbell on a television show. And the inevitable barking for no reason.

A new study found that more than half of telecommuters have had their workday interrupted by a pet, according to a survey of 1,011 people conducted by Shelby Township, Michigan,  homebuilder Lombardo Homes. Of nationwide survey participants, 79% of them owned a dog, 46% owned a cat and 50% said they owned another type of pet.

In addition to 58% of workers reporting that their days have been interrupted by a pet, 42% report they have gotten frustrated with or annoyed by a pet during quarantine.

The good news? The survey also found that 94% lean on their pet for emotional support and 42% have considered adopting another during the pandemic.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.