Professional June 2023

CIPP special

PAYROLL PETS

Modern life is incredibly busy. Combining work and home life can be a balancing act, and recently, we’ve all been exposed to considerable uncertainty. Pets can really help our mental well-being and help us find some solace and stability in difficult times. We asked you, the payroll professionals, to show us your pets.

Here are just a few of your wonderful furry and feathered friends...

Name: Buddy Sent by: Dr Sue

Smith EdD MA BEd FHEA FCMI Cmgr Assoc CIPD ACIPP, education director “It took five years from losing my previous fluffy friend to be able to even consider accepting another into my life. But Buddy has been such a constant and loyal companion to me, and an irreplaceable support through the rollercoaster of life’s ups

and downs over the last nine years. He has such a loveable character (clearly taking after his handler) and is unmistakably part of the family. He’s a great communicator when he wants to be, running off with a shoe or slipper to tell me he wants attention. His decision making and determination, on which footpath to take (or not take) when out walking, is undeniable and at an athletic 30+kg there’s little arguing with him. “Buddy has a tender, sociable side, enjoying a fuss from just about anyone, the older the better; and being particularly gentle with younger dogs and puppies especially. He enjoys his own version of playing ball (one-throw-fetch) as he’s not great at sharing it once he has returned, and he loves to find hidden tennis balls and treats, even if they aren’t his to find! In a previous life we think he was a sniffer dog or possibly a therapy dog.”

Name: Minnie Sent by: Chloe Sell ACIPP, membership communications co-ordinator

“When I worked from home and my partner was in the office, I was very lonely. Getting our kitten, Minnie in January has really cheered me up, even though she’s an absolute maniac. She reminds me to stay positive and stress less. I know if I’m working too long, I can take a five-minute break and play with her, though she loves attempting to climb onto my laptop when I’m typing. She’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Name: Ivy Sent by: James Bartlett BA (Hons) ACIPP, creative manager

“Owning my one-year-old Western Hognose snake, Ivy, has been an enjoyable experience. As a newbie snake owner, I was pleasantly surprised by how low maintenance she is. She’s diurnal and therefore out during the day, and it’s entertaining to watch as she explores her enclosure. Despite being small now, Ivy will eventually grow to about three foot long. “She’s a very social and accommodating snake. Until you try to feed her with the tongs of course, which elicits angry hisses. She’s only tiny so she thinks she’s scarier than she is. “Interacting with her has become really fun and surprisingly relaxing too. Because she needs watching carefully, I must focus on her and her movements, and it takes my mind off other things. Ivy has truly become a great pet, and a great new member of the family”.

If you’ve submitted your payroll pet to us and they’re not included, you’ll see them in a future issue of Professional .

| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | June 2023 | Issue 91 58

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