Pets in the Workplace

There are good reasons to allow employees to bring their pets to work, including stress reduction, increased workplace productivity, and enhanced work-life balance. However, there are also downsides to having pets at work. Here are some things to consider when setting up workplace policies about pets.

Benefits of Pets in the Workplace

Almost all of the scientific literature has shown that pets, particularly dogs, relieve stress for their owners and other people around them. Having a policy that allows pets in the workplace can be a big boost to employee morale. The owner doesn't have to worry about their pet being left home alone all day, and co-workers will want to stop by to pet the dog and chat with the owner.

Employees with lower stress levels have been shown to take fewer sick days off work. Your workers will also feel valued if you allow them to bring their pets to work -- even if it's only for a day or two each week. Pet owners often feel like their pets are a part of their family, so valuing the pet shows that you value the employee.

A pet policy can also be an important tool for recruiting and retaining employees. Having a pet-friendly office can mean cost savings for employees. If they don't have to pay for a boarding or dog-walking service, it becomes cheaper for them to be pet owners. This will increase employee loyalty and workplace productivity.

Case Study

Virginia Commonwealth University studied the effects of allowing employees to bring their dogs to the office during the workday. The researchers found that workers who brought their dogs to work were 11 percent more likely to have reduced stress levels. Employees who left their dogs at home during the workday were 70 percent more likely to feel stressed.

Central Michigan University's study showed that a pet-friendly office could lead to employees trusting and collaborating more.

Challenges of Pets in the Workplace

There are potential downsides to having pets at work. Some people are allergic to pet dander. Employees with pet allergies will not feel valued if you allow pets in the workplace that will cause them physical discomfort from allergies. Some people have a natural or innate fear of dogs. These employees' well-being must also be considered before allowing workers to bring their pets to the office.

Poorly trained pets can be a distraction at the office. Imagine a dog barking at something in the office all day long, even if the dog is simply playing, and this is easy to understand. Pets in the workplace also represent a potential liability for you as an employer. A poorly trained dog might bite someone it doesn't know. It can also chew on company-owned materials or have an "accident" on the carpet.

You may need to obtain an insurance waiver to allow pets at work. If you do not set clear guidelines on expected pet behavior in the workplace, you could be liable if that pet injures someone or damages company property.

Establishing a Pet Policy

Having a pet policy that clearly states guidelines and requirements for pets at work is vital. Any pet owners who want to bring their animal to work should sign a waiver, exempting the company from liability if the pet injures a person or property. It's important to require pet owners to show proof of vaccinations before allowing their pets on the premises. Your workplace policies should clearly state the company's pet cleanliness and behavior expectations.

Employees who can bring their pets to work experience reduced stress levels. Many co-workers also experience the benefits of having a pet-friendly office. Downsides include the fact that pets can be a distraction, and some people fear animals or have allergies to them. You must consider the needs of all employees when setting workplace policies about pets.

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