4 Reasons to Allow Employees to Bring Pets to the Office
Employers are seeking ways to improve office experiences as they strive to bring employees back and keep them there. These efforts have given rise to many creative ideas. Perhaps one of the most notable is creating pet-friendly work environments. Having pets on-site was once the sole domain of assistance dogs. However, pets can have benefits for everyone, including those office workers who don’t even have their own. Let’s explore the top four reasons to consider adopting such a policy for your workplace.
1. Improved Work-Life Balance
There is greater awareness than ever of people achieving a positive work-life balance. Many individuals recognize it as a cornerstone to leading a happy and long life. Many companies are also recognizing the practical value of helping their people achieve it. Having pets in the office is one way to help do that. For pet owners, their pets are like family members. Allowing them access during the workday promotes mental and physical health for people and their animals. It also helps to blur the line between work and the rest of a person’s life in a positive way.
2. Increased Productivity
Another reason to consider pets in the office is increased productivity. There’s significant research available that demonstrates a correlation between having pets around and being more productive. Furthermore, such benefits aren’t limited to the pet owners themselves. They’re often experienced by everyone in the office, including people who may not surround themselves with animals in other aspects of their lives. Enhanced productivity is better, of course, for the company. It’s also better for the people as it makes them feel more fulfilled.
3. Reduced Stress
Why does having animals around improve productivity? One reason is that animals trigger a measurable reduction in stress in people. High stress leads to reduced productivity. Low stress, or at least managed stress, leads to increased productivity. Having animals in the office can make a significant difference in work environments that are fast-paced and chaotic. Low stress helps to foster happiness and promote the development of relationships. It also nurtures positive feelings about the work environment, team, and employer.
4. Better Employee Retention
Most modern businesses struggle with employee retention. If an employee is skilled and talented, there is significant demand for them. There is also a considerable amount of expense that goes into bringing new employees up to speed. Retention has become even more challenging in roles that emphasize in-office participation. Many employers offer the option to work from home and other incentives. It’s very important for an employer with in-office roles to distinguish themselves, and pets in the office are a great way to do that.
There are many excellent reasons to let employees bring their pets into the office. There are some others that didn’t make this shortlist but are still worth mentioning. Pet-friendly policies help to attract top talent to a company, and they improve worker morale. Having pets in the office makes it easier to break the ice and promotes bonding between team members. If you do allow pets in your office, make sure you have the proper policies and procedures in place to prevent damage and limit liability
