Pets were the only companion for most young American workers when remote work was imposed on them due to the global pandemic. According to one report, one in every five American households adopted a cat or a dog during the covid-19 lockdown. For many of these workers, leaving their pets alone to return to office is not the best option. The reason is obvious and justified: they don’t want their pets to experience loneliness when they provide them with the best company during the lockdown.
Therefore, it isn’t surprising that many workplaces are revising their pet policy to lure their workers to return to office. Here are the top five reasons why you should turn your office into a pet-friendly workplace too:
Pets Reduce Stress
Pets are loving creatures. They pick up on their owners’ emotions and help alleviate the negative ones. Cats and dogs are known to be conscious of how their owner feels at any given moment. They are also shown to sit with their owners, providing emotional support in times of distress. But even hamsters and pet birds at work can help reduce their owners’ stress.
A pet-friendly workplace also saves pet owners the unnecessary stress of leaving their pets at home and wondering about their wellbeing. This makes a return to office considerably less stressful for pet owners.
Pets Reduce Distraction
While many employers mistakenly believe that a pet policy allowing pets at work will increase distraction, the opposite is true. Pet owners forced to return to office can be more distracted without their pets with them. They might keep checking up on their pets through a pet cam, calling a neighbor to keep an eye on them, spending time controlling the automatic food dispenser, and generally worrying about their pet. They might also want to leave the workplace as soon as possible to spend time with their pets.
Allowing pets at work can eliminate all these distractions. Moreover, it will help employees with pets to stay mentally present at the workplace simply because their pets will be there.
Pets Promote Creativity and Happiness
Pet-friendly workplaces have been reported to have happier and more creative environments. One possible explanation is the requirement to care for pets during work. Employees with pets are especially likely to stay active and engaged at work since they require frequent breaks to check up on their pets. However, the breaks won’t distract them from work but encourage them to do everything right to earn the break.
Employees who cannot adopt pets due to living conditions will also find pets at work a motivation. Silly habits and actions of pets will also provide constant opportunities for employees to laugh together, promoting a positive and collaborative work culture.
While it is clear that allowing employees to bring pets to work brings multiple benefits, the pet policy must prioritize the health of employees allergic to pets. Some employees’ engagement and willful return to office must not come at the expense of the health of others. However, providing an in-house pet care center can be the most effective way to enjoy the benefits of pets at work without endangering anyone’s life.
