Many articles state the benefits of having office pets, and what’s not to love? What could be better than having an office dog?
Allowing for pets in the workplace may not be conventional but has actually been proven to improve work efficiency and minimise employee stress levels. Why? Because having an office pet provides for a healthy work-life balance, that is the amalgamation of work and personal life in a holistic work environment.
Benefits of Having an Office Dog
Having a work animal encourages employees and employers to take regular short breaks. These shorts break could be too; pat the animal, throw a toy, essentially the benefit is that it will remove one’s self from their current task. This process allows for two things:
1. Gives employees a brain break
It gives the employee an opportunity to take a break from their current task, a task that may be repetitive, stressful, challenging or difficult. This break will allow them to re-energise and regroup, thus allowing for a better and more focused employee. All of this simply because of a small furry distraction.
2. Improves mood
It goes without saying, for the most part, pets make us happy, especially dogs. Dogs are extremely intuitive and can pick up on people’s emotions, as such they show affection when us humans are down or stressed. Affection from an office pet and improve the mood of an employee, increasing their endorphins. Meaning your staff will be better equipped and in a better frame of mind when they resume work.
Still not convinced?
Having pets in the workplace creates a relaxed environment, an environment where staff, customers and clients alike can feel comfortable and at home. The ability to have an office dog can make your work environment much more relaxed and approachable, especially if it isn’t the norm for your industry, i.e. an Accounting Firm or Marketing Agency.
More so, pets help to trigger conversations that may not have occurred if they hadn’t been there.
i.e. Most people have pets or have thought about getting a pet, this can strike conversation amongst people and in turn, create a sense of comfortability between them. This could be especially important with new clients. As businesses, we are always trying to find new ways of interacting and connecting with our clients, both on a personal level and a professional one. By doing so, your dynamic with your client becomes of more than just a professional one. As such office pets help to bridge this connection, and all they have to do is walk up to the client.
Pets also keep spirits high even during stressful times; they provide laughter through comedic qualities, traits or actions throughout the day. Offering a sense of entertainment, companionship and joy to staff and employers alike. This in turns helps to raise company morale and improve work efficiency.
Essentially if your staff and workforce are happy, they will work harder and more effectively. Harder working staff equals more productivity!
Lastly, unless you are frightened of animals, office pets offer help to calm a workplace and defuse tension amongst employers and employees. This calming effect means that you are more likely to have fewer staff outbursts, all because of having your four-legged friend around.
If you’re not convinced yet, you’re probably not an animal person!
It goes without saying there are many added benefits to having an office pet, why not give it a go, you may be pleasantly surprised.
