The joy and wellness benefits of having animal companions are well-known to pet owners. However, work has shifted and evolved in the last five years, and more employees are back in the office full-time or in hybrid work models. So, integrating pets into work is at the forefront of many pet parents ' and companies' minds. Let’s take a look at why and how.
More Than Just a Furry Friend
Everyone’s motivation for adding an animal to their home is different. According to Drive Research, 88% said they adopt pets to save animals, and 53% did so to help reduce pet overpopulation.
The past five years have been physically and mentally challenging for everyone, but those who chose to adopt an animal saw some significant benefits. Ninety-three percent of respondents to a Rover poll said their pet improved their physical and mental well-being, and more than 80 percent said it made living and working at home more enjoyable.
Pets also have scientifically measurable health benefits. Animals can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, and reduce the risk of heart attacks. They can also encourage owners to exercise and build healthy routines.
Even smaller critters like lizards, hamsters, and goldfish bring companionship and joy to their owners, helping reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. There’s much to like about our little (or not-so-little!) friends.
When Owners Are Away, Will Pets Play? Maybe…
Pets and their owners form incredibly tight bonds, making adjusting to shifting work schedules much harder. Animals unused to being left alone for long periods may display separation anxiety, ranging from destructive activities to howling or hiding to leaving little “presents” around the home in protest.
Business Insider reported that pet daycares are a popular option for return-to-office (RTO) employees. Pet owners encounter three main obstacles: cost, their pet’s limited social skills, and simply not enjoying the experience (especially older pets).
Fortunately, some workplaces recognize the benefits of encouraging the bond between employees and their animals. According to a study by Banfield Pet Hospital, employees who work in businesses with pet-friendly policies agreed that allowing pets in the workplace improved morale (88%), reduced stress (86%), and increased company loyalty (82%).
Whether employees work from home with Fluffy or take Fido to daycare while they go to the office, there are many ways to simultaneously increase productivity and pet (and owner!) happiness.
Four Tips for Keeping Your Pet (and Yourself) Happy During the Workday
If you’re balancing a new RTO or hybrid working schedule while easing your pets into a new routine, here are a few more tips to consider.
1. Build Routines at Work and Home
Animals and people of all types benefit from structure. It’s essential to schedule regular times for walks, food, and play so you and your pet have something to look forward to. If you work from the office a few days a week, try to find times that fit into your remote and in-person routines.
2. Take Your Meetings on a Walk
If you have a dog who needs to get outside and make many phone calls, why not combine the two? Walking meetings have many benefits, including exercise for you and your pet, and with communications apps that seamlessly transition between devices, you can easily take your sessions on the go.
3. Connect with Pet-owning Colleagues
One early perk of video conferencing solutions was seeing coworkers’ dogs and cats as they wandered on screen. One way to keep that sense of community is to start a group chat to share pictures and stories of your dog (or cat, bird, or lizard) and their antics, especially if you’re a hybrid or frontline worker on the go. Don’t forget to include non-pet owners in the chat, too, so they’re not left out of the fun.
4. Take Advantage (or Champion) Pet-friendly Policies
With so many pet parents reluctant to leave their companions alone all day, companies are embracing pet-centric policies. Whether allowing workers to bring their dogs to their desks (what about a pet-zone?), giving flexible time off for vet appointments or daycare pickups, or providing options for pet insurance, check in with your organization to see if there are ways to integrate pets into the equation.
There are many ways to make working more productive while keeping you and your pet happy and healthy. Mitel’s remote and hybrid working solutions provide options for maintaining connections with human colleagues and animal companions.