The Rise of Pet-Friendly Offices: Why Companies Are Welcoming Furry Friends
What is a pet-friendly office?
Over 100 of Amazon's offices are open to employees' pets. There's even a loyalty program where you can register your four-legged friend and receive free treats, a welcome gift, insurance discounts, and access to special events. Other companies that allow pets at work include Google, Salesforce, Ben & Jerry's, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Etsy, Zynga, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, PetSmart, Trupanion, Petco, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Procore Technologies, Cliff Bar & Company, Atlantic Health System, VMware, Airbnb, and Kurgo.
Why are pet-friendly offices becoming more common?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 23 million American families acquired pets during the pandemic. Many of them expressed a desire to avoid separation from their companions after returning to a more traditional work schedule, wrote Tracy Brower, PhD.
What are the benefits of having animals at work?
A LiveCareer study found that 76% of office workers with experience of having pets at work consider it a positive aspect. People appreciated the increased socialization with colleagues (51%), the calm environment (33%), and stress reduction (28%). They also reported a better work-life balance and a reduction in the guilt that arises when having to leave a pet at home. Most respondents worked in an office where there were dogs (94%), cats (84%), fish (36%), birds (24%), or even rodents, amphibians, or reptiles.
A study conducted at Washington State University showed that when people pet dogs or cats, their stress levels decrease. Another study by scientists at the same institution demonstrated that when people interact with dogs, their ability to think, plan, and concentrate - that is, their executive function - improves. Moreover, the effect persisted for six weeks after contact with dogs.
How to prepare an office for animals
At first glance, the implementation of such initiatives seems uncomplicated. But the employer, in addition to announcing that it is possible to bring a pet to work, will need to take into account many factors and regulate the visiting schedule, find out from absolutely all employees whether they have allergies and whether they are ready for such an innovation.
Firstly, it is important to monitor the climate in the room. This is important even without four-legged friends, but with them - especially. It is necessary to take into account the air temperature, to ensure that there are no drafts. It is good if there is an opportunity to make heated floors. All this will help the animal not to get sick and feel comfortable.
In addition, it should be taken into account that dogs and cats during the day will need devices for eating, he added. Therefore, you should take care of installing trays and bowls, and in general allocate them a feeding area.
It is also necessary to proceed from the preferences of a particular type of animal. For example, dogs will need toys that can be gnawed, as well as special hooks on which you can attach a leash. Cats will need a scratching post. For hamsters or parrots, equipped cages will be needed.
Finally, it is important for the animal to understand that the place where it is located is safe. At first, the pet may be nervous because of the large number of new people, as well as because of the noise and bustle. Therefore, it is necessary to organize a quiet place for it with a couch or even a whole house of its own.
It is best to separate the zones for people with and without pets. If the office is large, it is worth preparing separate rooms or even floors.
If several pets are in the office at the same time, then in order to avoid conflicts between animals, it is necessary to ensure that each has enough space for personal space. Especially the issue of pet interaction is relevant when feeding.
