Bringing your dog into the office is good for your health and its health. Several studies have shown how a pet presence in offices brings joy, serenity and lightheartedness to employees.
June 23 marks World Dog Day in the Office around the world, a reality that is still uncommon in our country, while in the United States 1 in 5 companies is already pet-friendly. Allen McConnell, a professor of psychology at Miami University in Ohio, has shown that the benefits of having a pet in the workplace are a logical extension of other research showing that pet owners are happier, healthier, have higher self-esteem and suffer less depression than those who, with pets, do not have them. Bringing one’s dog to the office also allows the owner to experience working hours with more serenity because he knows that he has his pet by his side and that he is not left home alone without company. Moreover, by doing so, the dog is calmer because he knows that he has his faithful owner by his side.
One of the main benefits of having a dog in the office is stress reduction. Dogs are known to have a calming effect on their owners. Petting or simply being near a dog can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with well-being and socialization. Scientific studies have shown that the presence of an animal can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve mood. In a fast-paced work environment, downtime with your dog can be an effective way to relieve stress and improve mental health.
Pet-friendly policies can also increase productivity. Employees who have a dog in the office tend to feel more satisfied with their work environment. The ability to have the dog with them reduces the anxiety associated with having to leave the pet at home, allowing the employee to focus better on professional tasks. In addition, moments of interaction with the dog can promote mental relaxation and increase concentration when returning to work.
Another benefit is that dogs could encourage employees to take more frequent breaks by walking with the dog throughout the day. These moments of movement can lead to greater energy and better time management, without compromising work performance.
Another positive aspect of pet-friendly policies is that dogs can foster improved interpersonal relationships among colleagues. Animals are often a point of connection that breaks the ice and helps socialize. People who do not know each other well can start talking about the dog, and this can help create a more collaborative and cohesive environment.
In addition, dogs can stimulate a greater sense of empathy and collective well-being, as employees may feel more motivated and happy to see their colleagues interacting with their pets.
Bringing the dog to the office can improvework-life balance. Employees often face the dilemma of having to leave the dog at home during work hours or having to rush home during their lunch break to let it out. Pet-friendly policies eliminate this concern, allowing employees to better manage their time and reduce the guilt associated with separation from the pet.
This balance improves overall well-being, as employees are less stressed and more satisfied with their work and personal lives.
Having the dog in the office can encourage more physical activity throughout the day. For example, the need to take the dog out for a walk allows for a healthy break from work away from the desk. Walking the dog encourages blood circulation,light physical activity and helps reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which is common in many office occupations.
In addition, light physical activity, such as a walk, improves mood and increases endorphin production, contributing to a feeling of happiness and well-being.
Dogs are known to have a positive impact on the mental health of their owners. The companionship of an animal can help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Their presence provides a sense of companionship, reducing the sense of isolation that can occur in stressful or lonely work environments.
A dog in the office can be a presence that relieves tension and provides moments of positive distraction throughout the day, improving mood and emotional well-being.
Having a dog in the office also teaches better time management and responsibilities. Employees need to be better organized to balance work and the needs of the dog, such as walking or food breaks. This can have a positive impact on their ability to organize time and priorities more effectively.
Companies that adopt pet-friendly policies can benefit from being more attractive to talent. Offering a pet-friendly work environment can attract highly skilled workers who seek greater flexibility and a positive work environment. In addition, these companies can benefit from increased staff retention, as employees feel more satisfied and motivated.
Despite the many benefits, there are also some practical considerations to keep in mind before introducing a dog into the office:
- Allergies and fear of animals: Some employees may be allergic to dogs or afraid of animals. It is important to ensure that the work environment is suitable for everyone.
- Dog adaptability: Not all dogs are suitable for being in an office. Some animals may suffer from separation anxiety or stress in crowded and noisy environments. It is important that the dog be well socialized and calm in the presence of other people and animals.
- Clear rules: Companies should establish clear rules on where dogs are allowed to go, areas to avoid (such as the cafeteria or meeting room), and how to handle undesirable behavior (such as barking or littering).
In Italy, there is still little use of this new practice of bringing a dog into the office. Italian companies are required to follow Ministry of Health guidelines for office maintenance; each company can then adopt its own Pet Policy, i.e., rules that allow its employees to bring their faithful friend into the company walls. It goes without saying that any animal brought into the work environment must be in good health and have been properly socialized.
Bringing a dog into the office can be a beneficial practice for both employees and the overall work environment. The presence of animals can help reduce stress, improve productivity, foster socialization among colleagues, and create a more serene work environment. Companies that adopt pet-friendly policies not only improve the well-being of their employees, but also demonstrate a commitment to a positive and inclusive work environment, which can translate into greater employee satisfaction and retention. If you have a business and want to become pet-friendly, it’s simple and will be good for your employees’ health and productivity. Think about it.
