Bringing dogs to work, is it going to be a thing or a fad?
Recently in business, it has been more common for workplaces to be pet friendly. This is largely thanks to the fact that millennial workers are starting to look for workplaces where pets can be included, forcing employers to try to cater for this. If you’re a manager, then unless you’re a pet owner this could seem like your idea of a nightmare, however there are some great reasons that you should consider allowing pets into the workplace.
They can be a form of stress relief
Studies have shown that being around pets causes a significant decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol. When you consider the high levels of stress that are often seen in the workplace, this could be a good way of lowering them.
Pets improve morale
Research has found that in pet friendly workplaces, morale tends to be higher than in places that don’t allow pets. Not only this, but employee satisfaction rates higher, and communication tends to be more effective in those workplaces that do allow pets.
Employees can save money
If pets aren’t allowed in the workplace, employees may need to pay for them to be taken care of during the day. With this in mind, bringing them to work can actively save money, therefore becoming a huge perk for employees.
Company image can be improved
People’s impression of your company is important, and having pets as a part of your company can improve this impression. It can make the company appear better to work with, which can be a good thing when negotiating business deals.
Excellent candidates can be attracted
Because pet friendly workplaces are still in the minority, allowing pets at your place of work may just improve the image of your company to pet owners who are looking for a new job – therefore meaning that you would have a better chance of talented workers who are also pet owners making your company their first choice.
Despite the above, there are also a few downsides of having pets in the workplace. The main reason for this is that they can be a distraction. Not only this, but it could also cost the company money if the pet caused any kind of damage to workplace equipment.
However, it seems that times are certainly changing when it comes to pets. It’s not yet clear whether pet friendly workplaces are here to stay or whether they are just a passing fad, but it is certainly an interesting idea by company executives.