(Photo above: Holly Rouska & Bali of The Bend Bulletin jogging on their lunch break)
The subject of pets in the workplace has long been controversial, but in general, the “no pets allowed” policy usually wins out. Those against the idea argue that it’s a distraction, causes potential legal problems, and makes a mess of the office. However, those reasons may not be good enough to keep trained pets out of the office compared to the potential benefits.
Here are several reasons that having an office pet might actually be a great idea:
1. Lifts Employee Morale
Working all day in an office with few windows can significantly depress the working environment. It causes increased stress, anxiety, and depression among your employees. It’s been scientifically proven that pets can help to relieve all of those symptoms, particularly in the workplace. When your employees are happier, they work better. It’s as simple as that.
2. Promotes Exercise
Exercise is also an excellent stress reliever and morale booster, and with a pet in the office, your employees have more of a reason to get out and about. This is particularly useful for small businesses that require long working hours. Give each employee a turn to walk the pet at a certain time each day. The pet can do its business and your employee can get some exercise, boosting productivity and happiness, and virtually eliminating animal messes.
3. Provides Comic Relief
Everyone needs something that will break up the monotony of their day, to make them laugh – and a pet can provide just that. Pets are always getting into predicaments or doing adorable things that make employees smile. It offers the perfect break for the burnt out employee.
4. Encourages Higher Attendance and Longer Hours
Animals are great for helping people relieve stress and increase productivity. They’re also great for making those longer days a little bit easier. Sometimes, the nature of the job requires working longer hours. It’s never fun, but it’s a lot easier if you have a furry little friend to keep you company. As it turns out, companies with pets in the workplace have lower employee absentee rates and more employees who are willing to work long hours.
5. Unifies the Team
It would be nearly impossible to come up with a team of co-workers who get along one hundred percent of the time. There will always be two employees who can’t see eye to eye no matter what you try. An office pet can help to smooth this situation. It may not turn them into best friends, but if they can bond over the office pet, it will make team projects that much easier, and it’s far more effective than any team-building trust exercise.
6. Teaches Responsibility
You would hope that responsibility is something your employees come equipped with, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Employees often fail to demonstrate responsibility for various tasks around the office, and constantly replacing employees won’t fix the problem. A pet can teach responsibility to the most negligent of employees, which will translate into a more productive and efficient workplace.
All in all, the decision to welcome a pet into the office depends on a myriad of factors, such as allergens, a pet-friendly workplace, and legalities for your state. However, those who are able to invite a furry friend into their place of business can boast these benefits and more.
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