The Benefits of Having Pets at the Workplace

Let’s be honest, pets have a way of brightening up any space they occupy. At first glance, having pets in and around the workplace seems like a logistical nightmare that will only distract workers from their jobs. However, while it is true that a few chewed-up pillows and scratched furniture can be a downside to having a pet in the workplace, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Here Are A Few Benefits of Having a Pet Animal on Your Office Premises.

1. Pets Improve Mental Health - To be frank, an office is a space where stress is inevitable. The pressure to perform and deliver, frequent collaborations, lengthy meetings, and spending all day at your desk can all bear down on a person’s mental health; this is evident in the way different stressbusters are introduced in offices nowadays like mental health timeout breaks. Pets are scientifically proven to be mood boosters, with just a few minutes being enough to experience the calming benefits of being in proximity to them. In short, pets are wonderful de-stressors which help boost your mood and help fight mental health issues that arise in the workplace.

2. Pets Alleviate Loneliness - Loneliness can set in when working, especially if you’re someone who works long hours or if you’re someone who does not have to frequently collaborate with other people. It isn’t even about being around people, not really; you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely or unseen. Pets are wonderful companions at such times because while they cannot speak or advise you on your troubles, they will keep you company until you’re calmer. There’s a reason dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’ despite not being the same language or species as us.

3. Pets Encourage Exercise - Trying to meet your daily quota for exercise and movement is easier said than done. The inevitable side effects of work include being otherwise occupied for the best part of 9 hours daily, and while a pet at the workplace won’t help you get all your necessary daily exercise, it’s better than sitting still and acting as a mood booster. A quick walk or a little game of fetch can help you stay mobile through a long day and act as a starting point for further exercise. Remember, some movement is far better than no movement at all; your spine will thank you further down the line for staying mobile throughout the day.

4. Pets are a Mood Booster - Pets act as wonderful icebreakers to bring people together. If you have a new member on your team, chances are they'll bond more quickly if there's a pet around thanks to the pet acting as a conversation starter and a common centre of attention. Once they're familiarized with the team and the pet, it will continue to act as the glue which brings people together when everyone has to collaborate to care for the new office pet. As an added bonus, you may get to embark on pet travel with them too!

5. Safety - Pets at the workplace are a calming, soothing, and reassuring presence. They’re a piece of joy and happiness, brightening up your day while you’re hard at work. The familiarity helps as well, and speaking as someone who has pets in their office regularly, having a pet in the office premises makes you look forward to each day of work.

To conclude, pets at the workplace have several positives. Yes, it is understandable that people will be hesitant to do so due to the supposed distractions a pet will cause or the mess they will make. However, after trying it ourselves with six wonderful cats, we can safely say that the pros far outweigh the cons and that the change in mood they bring about is simply incredible. Animals are kind and gentle souls, and if you give them a chance to brighten up your day, you won’t be disappointed.