Wouldn’t it be great if we could bring our pets to work?

The new trend in offices seems to be here to stay—and for good reason! More and more workplaces are opening their doors to our beloved pets, recognizing the positive impact living with animals has on the mental and emotional well-being of employees.

The Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Workplace

Research shows that pet-friendly workplaces offer multiple benefits, both for employees’ mental health and productivity, leading to increased employee retention. According to a study by Nationwide and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) in the US, employees working for pet-friendly companies:

• Feel a stronger connection to their work
• Are more likely to report good relationships with colleagues and supervisors
• Feel supported by their company’s focus on physical and mental well-being
• Are less likely to take unscheduled time off for personal reasons
• Are more likely to recommend their workplace to others
• Are more likely to stay with the company for the next 12 months

Various types of businesses, both small and large, are adopting pet-friendly policies. Companies are offering pet-related benefits such as pet adoption leave, pet insurance, and pet bonuses. Additionally, many workplaces are being redesigned to accommodate the presence of employees’ pets safely.

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Workplace

To become truly pet-friendly, workplaces must implement certain guidelines. For instance, most pet-friendly offices require pets to be healthy, fully vaccinated, and trained to use the bathroom outdoors. Pet owners may need to keep their pets leashed or in a crate and should never leave them unsupervised. Additionally, there should be rules regarding pet behavior to limit access to aggressive animals.

Businesses aiming to be pet-friendly must also offer outdoor spaces for pets to relieve themselves and establish areas where pets are not allowed, such as kitchens. It’s a good idea for management to ask employees if they want the workplace to become pet-friendly to ensure that everyone’s preferences are considered and that allergies, fears, and other concerns are addressed.

Good Practices for Pet Owners

If you work in a pet-friendly company, it’s important to follow good practices to be respectful of those who may not prefer animals in the workplace. If a pet causes issues for other employees, there should be a protocol for handling the situation.

Good practices include:

• Ensure your pet is well-trained and behaves well around people and other animals in the office. Not all pets are suitable to bring to work.
• Avoid bringing a dog that tends to bark excessively.
• Don’t bring noisy toys for your pet.
• Use a pet gate to keep your pet confined to your office area.
• Never leave your pet unsupervised.
• Don’t allow your pet to roam free unless permitted.
• Take your pet outside frequently for bathroom breaks to avoid accidents.
• Keep pet-friendly cleaning supplies on hand in case of accidents. Notify management if an accident happens so the space can be properly sanitized.

The Psychology of a Hug: How It Affects Your Pet’s Behavior

Especially when coming from those we love, a hug can calm, comfort, and make us feel secure.

If you work in a pet-friendly company and are wondering whether to bring your pet to work, the most important thing is to consider your pet’s character and personality. Every animal is different, and pets with strong behavioral issues or aggression should not be in an office environment. Some animals may not enjoy the office setting at all and may prefer staying at home.