How Pets Can Improve Your Office Life

Im pleased to share that more and more places are becoming pet friendly, including shopping centers and places of work. Of course we are pet friendly here at BaxterBoo, but that is often because the animals that come to work here are actually working! But did you know that more places of employment are allowing pets simply for the morale and stress relief that pets bring to the workplace?

Big Companies that Love Pets

Several studies have shown that the act of petting a dog or cat brings down blood pressure, and that pets act as agents for stress and social anxiety relief. Now employers are using those benefits in the workplace. Companies such as Google and Amazon.com are pet friendly and feel that it is makes good business sense as it creates an atmosphere of general well-being.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It!

This has been corroborated in a recent study released March 30 by Virginia Commonwealth University. They tested employees at Replacements.com in Greensboro, NC, and found that the employees that had dogs at work reported decreased stress as the workday progressed, while those without dogs had increased stress. But even employees who did not have dog companions at work reaped the benefits of working in an environment that was dog friendly with all workers reporting increased job satisfaction and employer support than companies than companies that are dog free. The dogs also encouraged positive communication between co-workers and acted as a low-cost wellness and morale booster.

Working Like a Dog Can Be Tricky

Of course even at BaxterBoo, weve had to balance various employee allergies and safety issues in our warehouse. But the very act of negotiating and making accommodations to communicate that every employee is important by addressing pet-related needs can foster a sense of cooperation and creativity.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Perhaps your company isnt one of the progressive types that allows pets in the workplace. Dont despair! June 22 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, an event designed to highlight the human-canine bond and encourage dog adoptions from shelters and breed rescues. This may be just the opportunity to expose your company to a new concept and get your paw in the door! Of course you may need to soften up the management with some well-placed hints and education, so visit TakeYourDog.com for the tools and information you need! We wish you luck in your dog and kitty endeavors!

Featured photo courtesy of Sean Hagen.