Pet-friendly offices have numerous advantages for both animals and humans, especially as the post-COVID-19 revert back to a working routine begins. Employers must discuss workplace health and safety standards, and owners must take responsibility for protecting all four-legged guests.
And, predictably, people are "begging" for pets at work! According to a new study, nearly 70% of workers wish they could bring their dog to work, and almost 60% will choose a dog-friendly company over one that isn't. If your workplace has set up a pet-friendly facility and you have a dog, you may be compelled to take advantage of this fantastic privilege and bring your dog to work. But, before you do, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you, your dog, and your office are all ready!
Benefits
Workers who bring their pets to work are more likely to be efficient and committed to the organization. Throughout the day, they are frequently happier and less worried. But how exactly do pet-friendly workplaces benefit?
They help in the improvement of relationships.
Pets may provide a shared ground and establish a bond between two people who do not know each other well or have had a dispute. Having a pet in the workplace may help break the ice or form bonds that were previously unthinkable.
They minimize stress.
Having a pet can reduce blood pressure, stress/anxiety and boost mood and depressive symptoms. This is also true at work. Employees with the lowest stress levels brought their dogs to work.
They inspire creativity.
According to one study, walking boosts creative thought by about 60%. Having a pet at work can be an excellent way to encourage workers to remain busy throughout the day. When given a choice, most people eat their lunch at their desks. However, with a pet, they do not have a pick. Taking a dog for a walk during breaks will help boost imagination.
They have the potential to increase attendance.
Employees may wish to take a day off to spend time with their pets, leave during the day to check on them, or finish the day earlier than average. Employees would be less likely to be absent due to a pet-related problem if they can bring their cat or dog to the office.
They provide physical activity.
We all would want to be more active when we have a regular desk job. Often we are compelled to try things out to help ourselves for the sake of health and wellness. This is also why there was a rise in demand for sit-stand desks, standing desk converters, and even desk bikes. These ergonomic pieces of furniture promote mobility even while you're working all day long at your desk.
If those are not enough for you, indeed, having your pet around your workplace can help. Pets depend on their owners to get them outdoors and to fulfill their daily needs. These items necessarily entail staff being active during the day, reducing the negative impact of sitting all day.
Preparation
One of the positive improvements that occurred during COVID-19 was an increase in the amount of time that owners could spend with their pets. Because of the limitations on social activities, this has been true for all pet owners, but it is particularly true for those of us who work from home. Although some dogs and cats may have found the transition in routine and having people around all the time overwhelming, the majority have continued to flourish on being with their special person 24 hours a day, notably if this time included extra exercise and cuddles and games.
You play a significant part in ensuring that this is an excellent experience for your dog and those around them.
Acquire permission to bring your pet to work.
Even if your office has been designated as pet-friendly, you can also consult with your manager to ensure that your dog can settle in. Suppose your workplace does not have a pet-friendly policy, lobby for one. Don't try to smuggle a pet into your office because it might jeopardize both your job and your pet's safety.
Ensure your colleagues are cool with it.
Speak with your coworkers who are close to you to ensure that they are okay with your pet being present. If they have problems, look for opportunities to work together to find a solution. If it interferes with your time to accomplish work – or that of your colleagues – you must address it before proceeding.
Take into account your pet's character.
Make sure your pet enjoys interacting with people and other pets that might be present at your workplace. If she gets nervous in new situations or gets upset around new pets or people, he/she may be better off sitting at home. Evaluate what is best for her and consider a brief trial visit before committing to an entire week.
Make sure your pet is well-trained.
Before you introduce your dog to work, make sure it can tolerate being in an office for a day. They would most certainly draw interest from strangers and will need to remain quiet and relaxed for extended periods. Be certain he/she understands essential behavior cues such as "come," "down," and "stay."
Pack a bag of pet supplies.
Bring your dog's favorite bed or blanket into the office with you, or get a second identical one to keep at work. Keep it out of the way of your colleagues, but close enough that your pet does not feel alone. Have pet food for his/her daily meals, treats, and food and water bowls. Add a few special toys to keep him/her entertained.
Assess your workplace for potential threats to your pet.
You'll want to be sure that your four-legged pet stays out of harm. Even if your workplace is pet-friendly, your specific workspace may not be. Check to ensure that your dog will not get into something and that there is a good spot available near your desk for your dog to rest.
Keep an eye on your pet during the day to keep them from being lost or getting in touch with harmful objects (such as electrical cords or what's inside of the trash bins). Determine where he/she should and should not go ahead of time. Do not allow him/her to go in specified pet-free areas and keep her away from workplace dangers like heavy machinery and possible pet poisons like cleaners and plants.
Keep your pet close.
When you bring a pet to work, you must ensure that he/she is secured and does not hurt anyone else. Arrange for someone else to oversee them when you need to go somewhere without your pet. To emphasize this, your employer will most likely make you sign a participant agreement. Use a screen, leash, or crate to keep your pet in your area, workstation, or desk space during the workday. If you're using a standing desk, surely there will be enough space for your pet to rest underneath it, especially once you lift the tabletop. FlexiSpot's Adjustable Standing Desk Pro Series also has an anti-collision system that detects if anything (or anyone) is getting in its way. If your cat or small dog would wish to be closer to you by lounging on your desk, the Adjustable Standing Desk Pro Series is spacious, moisture-proof, insect-resistant, and scratch-proof.
Remember to take routine breaks for toileting and exercise.
Clean up after your pet at all times. To assist, bring cleaning supplies, paper towels, and doggie poop bags. Just dispose of waste in allocated containers. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat before work and during your breaks to burn off energy.
There are several barriers to developing a pet-friendly office, but with employee input, awareness, and preparation, pets can be valuable team members. The majority of workers and businesses believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The many advantages to having a pet-friendly workplace for our pets, ourselves, and other employees, and having the option of bringing your pet to work is an excellent strategy for eliminating any tension caused by the lifting of post-COVID-19 restrictions. Since the rise of pet-friendly environments may become a permanent change in our lives, responsible pet ownership is critical to its long-term success.
