Many workplaces have adopted a pets at work policy, where animal companions are allowed to be in the workplace with their owners during work hours. Here’s all the information you need to help you figure out whether your business should be pet friendly.
The benefits to having pets in the workplace
Boosting morale
Having animals in the office can boost employee morale, as well as reduce stress levels. A study from Virginia Commonwealth University found that having dogs in the workplace reduced stress, improved job satisfaction, and increased organisational commitment and support. Having an animal present can also be grounding, particularly for businesses where work is more cognitive than physical.
Employee retention
Allowing pets at work can be a great way of retaining your employees, as staff get to be close to their animal companions, can walk their dogs in the lunch breaks and don’t have to leave their pets alone during work hours. Having a pets at work policy can also attract new talent. For some prospective employees, the idea that they can bring their animals to the office is another incentive to work for your company.
Improved work/life balance
During lockdown, many employees found that working from home allowed them to improve their work/life balance. One of the reasons for this was that they had more time with their pets. For businesses that have returned to working from the office, permitting pets in the workplace allows employees to continue being with their animal companions regardless of where they are working.
The pitfalls of pets in the workplace
People that don’t like animals
Although some employees will be over the moon to hear that their four legged friends are allowed in the office, some staff members and clients may not be pleased. People that don’t like animals, or that have phobias of dogs may find their presence distracting, disruptive or even upsetting. It is important to consider everyone’s response to the idea of pets at work.
Allergies
For employees who are allergic to dogs, their presence might partly, or completely, prevent them from working. According to AllergyUK, pet allergies can develop at any time, and symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, wheeze, watery/red/itchy eyes, skin rash/hives, eczema flare and anaphylaxis.
Appropriate care
Although we’d like to imagine that all pets are properly taken care of, that isn’t the case; many are neglected and abused. According to the RSPCA, they receive a call every 30 seconds to respond to an animal being mistreated. Abuse, neglect and mistreatment can become evident when pets are allowed in the workplace.
Establishing a pets at work policy
If you’ve made the decision to allow pets at your business, it’s important to consider how this will be written into policy. Companies will need to ensure that their tenancy allows pets to be in the building, and may need to confirm this with their office landlord.
Businesses also need to consider which animals are allowed in the workplace, and the rules for hygiene, sickness and behaviour from both the animals and employees. Managers should consult with their staff to address their concerns about introducing this policy, and think about keeping some parts of the office animal-free.
Finally businesses should make clear that animals with a history of biting, aggressive behaviour, untrained or unclean cannot be welcomed into the office. Ultimately, the health and safety of your employees should be your primary concern.
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