Paw and order: Whiskas owner hoping for more fur in its pet-friendly SA office

Mars South African corporate affairs director, Suraya Hamdulay, says pet-friendly places promote productivity, reduce stress, and can bring employees together.

Returning to work after a festive break with your family, whether they have two or four legs, is tough. So, imagine being allowed to bring your fur babies with you to make the transition that much easier?

Well, if you are one of the 60 employees working at the offices of US pet food and confectionary giant Mars in Woodmead, this option is available. The owner of brands including Whiskas and Royal Canin, as well as Twix and M&Ms, introduced the pet-friendly work environment concept to its staff here a couple of years ago.

While only one person, Justin Combrinck, is actively making use of the policy at the moment and bringing his beloved dog, Zac, to the office, the private family-owned company hopes more of his colleagues will follow suit and bring their furry friends too.