Why Pet-Friendly Businesses Are Ideal In Today's World
As we move forward after the pandemic, business is on the rise as we attempt to catch up what we missed. It’s apparent that the way we do business won’t be the same as it was before.
One of the great changes you can make to your company is to become pet-friendly! There are many benefits to having humans and fluffs sharing a space while working.
Any Business Can Be Pet-Friendly
Whether you’re starting a tech company or a publishing company, the company culture is going to be important. This is where you get to decide if you want to be a pet-friendly business.
The company culture will help to define your company, both internally and externally. This can help your existing employees become advocates for the company, and it can also attract top talent in the market.
Aside from working flexible hours, the opportunity for advancement and working close to home, employees are also looking to work for companies where they can bring their four-legged friends.
Surveys have found that having dogs in the office reduces stress and makes for happier work environments. Dog-friendly offices also found that employees feel a greater sense of loyalty towards their employers.
Pet-Friendly Environment Encourages Communication
As soon as you see the wagging tail and the “love me” eyes of a dog, it’s an instant mood booster. Having dogs in the office can boost office morale and when employees are less stressed, there’s an upswing in productivity.
The office pups also encourage employees to interact with each other more, even those people who tend to keep to themselves. People are able to connect over a shared interest, and it creates opportunities for employees to ask each other questions, even if it’s about the chew toy at first.
This allows employees to get to know and understand each other, which opens the channels of communication, leading to more effective productivity.
They Make Employees Feel Cared For
A working environment that is pet-friendly is often seen as having leadership that is:
- Innovative
- Forward-thinking
- Has good work-life balance
- Shows the company’s humane side
Many employees not only see this as a perk, but it also leaves them feeling an increased sense of job satisfaction. This can result in less absenteeism, and it can also help to retain staff.
Employees also tend to feel healthier and are able to engage more with colleagues and management at work when working for a pet-friendly company. Another big bonus (for the company) is that employees no longer feel the need to rush home to see their dog, because they’re right there with them.
This can lead to longer working hours of the employees’ own accord, which improves productivity.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Workplaces
A survey by Purina PetCare showed that 42% of workers between the ages of 18 and 34 across the UK would like to, or currently enjoy a dog-friendly workplace. They also found companies that are dog-friendly to be more attractive, and they’d even consider a change in career to work at one.
Some of the benefits of a dog-friendly work space are:
- Improves physical, mental health and wellbeing
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Encourages employee collaboration
- Increases productivity
- More appealing company brand
- Happier staff members
- Saves money (less absenteeism and an increase in staff retention)
Both the business and the employee benefit from a dog-friendly work environment. While it may be distracting in the beginning, once everyone settles in, you’ll find your employees engaged, focused and most likely doing their job more efficiently.
What is there to lose by becoming a pet-friendly business? You may be surprised at how much your company culture blossoms when there are fluffs in the room at every meeting!
Mike Powell is an enthusiastic dog-lover who understands first-hand how dogs can improve the working environment. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion about dogs, pet nutrition, accessories, and health over at Dog Embassy.
