Paws for thought: pets in the workplace boost morale + productivity
Did you know 45 percent of us own some kind of pet? The pet market in the UK is the biggest in Europe. Whether you’re a feline fan or a dog lover, there is no denying it, we are nation of animal lovers.
Office pets are becoming more commonplace. Businesses in all manner of industries now realise just how valuable it is to have a pet-friendly culture. Research reveals it is good for employee wellbeing, it is an attractive staff benefit and it can even have a positive impact on your bottom line.
We welcome small furries in the MANDATE office. From Ollie the Maltese terrier, Sascha the Shar Pei and even Lady Lulu and Mr Ozwald the house cats, we fully embrace animals of all ages, breeds and species. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it makes in the office and we would not have it any other way.
One of the key reasons we enjoy being a pet-friendly office is the boost in morale it provides and it is also a proven stress buster. Scientists believe that the source of people’s positive reactions to pets comes from the hormone oxytocin. It stimulates social bonding, relaxation and trust, and therefore eases stress. My former university, UCLan, teamed up with the charity Guide Dogs, to open their first ever 'puppy room' to allow students to relax ahead of exams. We too have felt the stress-busting benefits of pets in the MANDATE office.
Another reason I am pro-pets at work is because it makes for a very attractive employee benefit. I adopted my dog, Hooch, from a local shelter before I took up my role at MANDATE. Pets are like babies and when you become a pet owner I think many of us underestimate the task at hand. They take a lot more time and patience than you might anticipate. Therefore, any company that offers the chance to bring a four-legged friend to work, is instantly more attractive in the eyes of a pet parent.
PR is an industry that requires collaboration – whether you are putting on a press event or launching a new campaign. It is an industry that involves a great deal of teamwork. Studies suggest that having a dog in the office can improve collaboration. The study by Central Michigan University confirms that the presence of an office dog has a positive impact on how we perceive our co-workers, resulting in greater camaraderie and better collaboration.
In a constantly ‘on’ world the question on everyone’s lips is how can we be more productive? The answer is an office pet. We are all guilty of not taking a break from our screens. I find taking five minutes to go out of the office to take the dog for a walk or toilet break gives me time to recharge and get fresh air. By the time I return to the office I am feeling refreshed. More often than not I also come back with a burning idea - I use this time away from my desk as ‘thinking’ time. Scientists agree - a 2016 study concluded that 67% of employees who took pets to work said that their pet made them more productive.
All the science points to the resounding conclusion that pets are great for the workplace environment. Our furry friends boost morale and make for a more engaged workforce. They improve productivity and encourage collaboration. What’s more, a pet-friendly office is a very attractive employee benefit that will in turn have a positive impact on employees. Four-legged friends in the workplace are better for your business than you might think.
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