More have become cat and dog owners during the pandemic. Maybe that’s a reason to make more workplaces pet friendly? Namely, there are many benefits to having pets at work – for both health and work!
As more of us return to our workplaces after the pandemic, more pets risk being left at home.
Something that has made many pet owners think about and worry about how everyday life will go together and how their pets will cope, after a long period of close contact during the pandemic. But maybe the solution is to bring your four-legged friend to work (where possible)?
Companies ready to become pet friendly
In a survey asking questions to 500 American business leaders (commissioned by Banfield Pet Hospital), 60 percent said they want to make working life more flexible for pet owners after the pandemic.
As many as 50 percent planned to welcome pets at the workplace itself. And they have good reason to do so. Below you see some!
4 benefits of pets in the workplace
- Reduces stress and anxiety: You pet owners do not have to have a bad conscience that you have left your dog or cat at home and it receives supervision and care for most of the day.
- Better focus and health: The employees who take a dog walk at lunch get both physical activity and mental relaxation and can thus more easily focus on work the rest of the day.
- Promotes social interaction: Dogs and cats often act as “social links” that can increase interaction and social interaction between colleagues.
- Increases loyalty: If you as an employee experience that there is a good balance between work and private life, you often become more loyal to your employer and have a higher work ethic.
Pet policy good to have
However, it can be important to have a clear policy regarding the presence of pets at work. Like dogs not being allowed to interfere with work by barking or being loose. And the dog must be trained and ready to stay in different environments, so that it does not become anxious and stressed by all the impressions that a workplace entails.