Buzz
By Carmel Lobello
At first glance, pets might seem like a hindrance to workplace efficiency—they can be noisy, energetic, and require constant attention, feeding, and care. It’s easy to assume they’d disrupt productivity rather than enhance it.
However, an increasing number of businesses, including giants like Ben & Jerry's and Google, are embracing pet-friendly policies. Companies such as Village Green, a property management firm based in Detroit, even incentivize employees to bring their furry companions to the office.
Here are five ways pets can positively impact the workplace:
1. They reduce stress levels
Workplaces are often high-pressure environments, filled with tight deadlines, demanding targets, and the need to satisfy both supervisors and colleagues. Limited exposure to natural light and minimal breaks from screens can further increase stress and decrease job satisfaction, ultimately harming productivity.
The solution to this stress? Studies suggest that furry companions can play a significant role in alleviating it.
Research conducted in hospitals and care facilities has demonstrated the profound impact animals can have on human well-being. Interactions with animals have been linked to reduced blood pressure, alleviation of depression and anxiety, and quicker post-surgery recovery. These benefits have also been observed in office environments.
In 2012, a study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University examined a 550-employee manufacturing-retail office in Greensboro, N.C., where approximately 20 to 30 dogs accompanied their owners to work daily, as reported by Science Daily. By analyzing surveys and saliva samples to measure stress levels, researchers discovered that employees who brought their pets to work experienced a noticeable decline in self-reported stress as the day progressed.
In contrast, those who left their dogs at home reported a steady increase in stress levels throughout the day. By the end of the workday, this group exhibited "significantly higher stress" compared to their counterparts who had dogs with them.
2. They serve as conversation starters
Much like an adorable baby or a provocative T-shirt, pets have a unique ability to spark conversations among people. This is particularly valuable in today’s workplace, where interactions often occur through screens, and offices can be eerily quiet, save for the sound of keyboards clacking.
Pets encourage employees to step away from their screens and engage in discussions about their furry companions—such as their breed, the inspiration behind their names, and more. These in-person interactions can foster stronger team connections and improve overall morale.
A 2010 study conducted by the University of Central Michigan demonstrated how pets can enhance workplace bonding:
The CMU study included multiple experiments, one of which involved groups of four people, some with dogs and some without. Each group member was assigned a fictional crime, and researchers surveyed whether they would report their peers. Groups with dogs present were 30 percent less likely to report each other, indicating that having dogs in the workplace fosters a more unified and trusting environment. [The Humane Society]
3. They encourage taking breaks
Many jobs don’t mandate breaks, and in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting, employees often spend entire days glued to their desks, only stepping away briefly for necessities like a trip to the water cooler.
Bringing a dog to the office necessitates that the owner step away from their computer periodically to take the dog outside, effectively ensuring they take a break.
While it may seem contradictory, these breaks can actually enhance productivity. Research indicates that prolonged mental exertion, such as that required for tasks like data entry, can lead to mental fatigue and stress, increasing errors and reducing efficiency. Taking occasional breaks, however, can improve focus, spark creativity, and reduce mistakes.
Additionally, dog owners benefit from stepping outside and moving around during these breaks, which further enhances mental clarity.
4. They provide free pest control
At Civitas, a Denver-based firm specializing in urban design, planning, and landscape architecture, a gray and white cat named Gonzo plays a crucial role: keeping mice at bay.
"The mice returned after the previous cat passed away, but vanished again once Gonzo arrived," explains Amirah Shahid, a landscape architect at the firm. "He even left a dead mouse on someone’s desk as a ‘gift’ recently."
In addition to the unexpected ‘gifts,’ having Gonzo around eliminates the need to hire an exterminator or use chemical sprays in the office.
5. The aesthetic appeal
Another advantage is that pets like Gonzo can enhance the office’s visual appeal. "He’s incredibly good-looking," Shahid remarks. "His presence also encourages us to take much-needed breaks as he strolls through the studio, demanding attention."
"Clients, consultants, and visitors are always impressed by how cool it is to have him wandering around the office."
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