Pets at work. Working with your dog or cat benefits them, their owner, and everyone around them. We are used to sharing every moment of our daily lives with our four-legged friends, and leaving them alone every morning to go to work can be difficult and sad.
The Benefits of Bringing Pets to Work: Improving Employee Well-being and Productivity
Abroad, where people’s well-being is a fundamental issue, many companies and offices have tried to remedy this by allowing employees to bring their dogs to work so that they are not left alone at home for too long and their owners are not alone. Having your pet close to you at work, being able to pet and cuddle it at will, seems to bring several benefits: it relieves employees’ stress and performance anxiety. It improves their mood, facilitates better work efficiency, helps reduce absenteeism rates and contributes to social reinforcement and teamwork in the office.
The physical and mental benefits of being close to one’s best friend at work have, over the years, led to a growing demand in all parts of the world to make companies and offices more pet-friendly, and in many countries, this demand has been well received, especially since working with one’s dog increases well-being and improves and strengthens the relationship between man and animal.
Legislation and situation in our country
England still needs to catch up on this front compared to other parts of the world, even though some large multinational companies allow and encourage animals in offices and workplaces. At the moment, in our country, There is no specific legislation relating to the keeping or bringing of pet animals into the workplace, although the Health and Safety at Work etc.; in fact, it is only forbidden in establishments and companies that involve extraordinary or risky work and in hospitals facilities, unless they are places used for pet therapy, but these are few and far between. It is also forbidden to wear it if company regulations do not provide or allow it.
Rules and guidelines for good coexistence
Each company may have internal rules to guarantee well-being and good coexistence between humans and animals. A first rule tends to be the positioning of the pet: the dog should be kept close to the desk, most often on a leash, or left in reserved areas, where it can relax and play while waiting for visits from its owner and the end of its working day.
Dogs are usually welcome in offices but not in dining areas, meeting rooms, or bathrooms. For safety and common sense, it is advisable to find out what colleagues think about it and who may disagree. Allergies, fears, or annoyances of other employees should be considered before deciding to bring your dog into the workplace.
In addition, it must be considered whether other colleagues also have an animal and, if so, whether the two pets are compatible and friendly and can share the same space without creating chaotic, uncomfortable or tense situations. If the other employees are in favour, this cohabitation can only be positive for everyone: good humour and a dose of spontaneous sweetness and lightness will be guaranteed. They will create a more serene climate and a working environment in which work will be more pleasant.
A cosy office workplace, even for pets
If your furry friend’s presence poses no problem to others, all that remains is to set up a safe, cosy and familiar place for him. In this regard, it is advisable to make a selection of objects that could be dangerous or tempting and to set up a place where he can feel comfortable, placing him right next to your desk. The following is a list of things to bring to the workplace to make your pet feel relaxed and at ease:
- First of all, it is essential to think about your pet’s basic needs, so a bowl with fresh water is indispensable, as well as a portion of his usual food and, why not, also his favourite snacks so that you can reward his patience and polite proximity.
- In the case of small dogs, you can then think about a blanket, a pillow or a kennel in which he can rest and feel safe.
- No less important are hygienic bags and cleaning kits, which are essential, especially for other employees and shared spaces.
It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the animal and the places where it is kept by carrying all necessary materials, such as wet wipes, dustpans, bags, air fresheners, etc. In this regard, also remember to take a break at work to take your dog for a walk, possibly outdoors, both for droppings and to give him a moment of leisure and light-heartedness.
It is necessary to bring the holiday routine back to the office and pay attention to any signs of discomfort from the pet, such as constant yawning, trembling or being in an apparent state of agitation and pain.
To prevent boredom leading to the animal barking, moving and becoming agitated, it is advisable also to bring along his favourite games and entertainment so that he too has some ‘work’ to do during the day.
A final suggestion is to bring, as a precaution, a first aid kit for emergencies, a spare leash and a health booklet to be ready for any unforeseen and unwanted situation, both for him and us and those around us. All that remains now is to enjoy working in the company of your best friend!
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