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Studies have shown that interacting with pets can have great benefits for the body. It can decrease stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood.
So why can’t we bring these benefits to work?
According to Helen Baker, financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for All Women, workplaces can benefit by implementing a pets-at-work policy.
“With one in five Australians taking time off due to work-related stress and anxiety, as the Companion Animal Network Australia notes, employers can embrace the benefits associated with pet ownership to de-stress their workforces and boost productivity,” said Ms Baker.
Bringing a pet to work also reduces the stress of leaving them home alone all day. Also, Ms Baker noted that it can be great for engagement in the workplace.
“Animals encourage interactions between people, which could be leveraged to assist relationship building between colleagues and even visiting customers,” she explained.
“Plus, pets-at-work policies are increasingly becoming a recruitment perk and a cost-effective measure to entice workers back to the office post-COVID lockdowns.”
For employers wanting to implement this policy, chatting with staff to gauge their feelings on the idea should be considered first. Not everyone is an animal person, and if you’re letting the doors open to all sorts of creatures, it could create added stress rather than reduce it.
Ms Baker continued: “A workable pets policy needs to address the practical implications. This is a place of work, after all, so the goal is to harness the benefits of our furry friends while minimising distractions and mitigating foreseeable problems.”
“Discuss the proposal with all staff before implementation. One or more individuals may have a fear of dogs or allergy to cats, so having everyone aligned from the outset is crucial.
“Check with the landlord/building management. Animals may not be allowed, or there could be special restrictions or additional cleaning requirements.”
Organisation is also a key to success. Health and safety should be addressed.
“Maintain a healthy and safe workplace. For example, pets should have dedicated spaces to avoid being a trip hazard. Access to sensitive areas should be restricted, such as around food production or heavy machinery. Electrical cables must be kept out of reach of playful paws and chewy chompers,” Ms Baker said.
“A pet roster or some other system may be useful. If everyone brings their beloved to work on the same day, the excess noise and potential animal conflicts could quickly get out of hand.”
For employees wishing to convince their boss to give it a go, Ms Baker said there are some ways to go about it.
“Pets in the workplace can conjure up myriad potential problems for an employer: chiefly noise, mess and distractions.
“Hence, workers requesting to bring their pet to work should not only highlight the benefits of pets at work but outline how potential problems can be addressed,” Ms Baker explained.
“If your pet is well socialised, does not bark or meow excessively, sleeps a lot during the day, and is toilet trained, much of a boss’ fears will be allayed. Also, offer to bring your own supplies to entertain and contain your pet: quiet treats and toys, leash, a dedicated playpen/carrier etc.”
Trials may be a good way to ease companies into this policy. Registering in Take Your Dog to Work Day is a great starting point.
Jack Campbell
Jack is the editor at HR Leader.
