The new pet-friendly lifestyle
In recent years, the role of pets has moved beyond the home, and a debate has started about allowing them into the workplace. The boom in the concept of workplace welfare has caused many companies to adopt pet-friendly policies, allowing employees to bring their pets to the office. The idea is not universally accepted, but several academic studies have found that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
Benefits of allowing pets in the workplace
According to a comprehensive review published in the Journal of Management by Carisa Lam and Kai Chi Yam, welcoming pets into the workplace has multiple advantages.
Firstly, it improves employees’ overall well-being because the mere presence of pets is known to have a positive impact. Researchers have found that pets are reassuring, enhance job satisfaction, and promote workplace commitment. This has positive effects not only on the quality of working life but also on the overall culture of the office.
One highly notable benefit is stress management. Since 2001, studies have shown that the presence of pets reduces work-related stress. Moreover, a more recent study indicated that these policies dissuade employees from resigning. Pets also act as a "social lubricant", fostering interaction and support among team members. This not only benefits employees but also clients and potential workers, who perceive pet-friendly companies as being more committed to people’s well-being.
Interestingly, these benefits are shared even among those employees who do not have pets. This is due to the impression that the companies value the overall well-being of their employees. Additionally, the presence of animals can improve clients' moods and increase the company's appeal to potential candidates.
Drawbacks and limitations
Despite the advantages, there are also drawbacks. According to the article, some people consider pets to be a distraction, and some people are afraid of them or do not like them. There can also be issues with hygiene, allergies, and even cultural and religious objections. What’s more, taking pets to work can interfere with the work/life balance. For example, if a pet has a medical emergency, the employee may feel stressed when faced with dealing with the situation without neglecting their work responsibilities.
This phenomenon may also blur the lines between work and personal life, which can cause disputes and tension. Therefore, adopting a pet-friendly policy requires careful planning.
Recommendations for implementing pet-friendly policies
Shawn X. Quan and Kira Schabram, in the article The Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Workplace, propose a series of steps for adopting these policies successfully. Firstly, the needs of the workplace must be clarified. The kinds of animals welcome and under what conditions they are permitted must be clearly defined. What's more, it is essential to establish rules to manage potential problems, such as any disruptive behaviour by the animals.
It is also crucial to comply with local regulations and to establish hygiene guidelines in common areas like cafeterias. Short pilot schemes are a good idea, limiting the days and areas where pets are allowed to streamline the adaptation process.
Another notable aspect is the need to cater for employees' needs related to their pets. This could include allowing time off to care for sick animals or offering pet insurance as an employee benefit, a growing demand, particularly among younger generations.
Source: Ángel Peña EL MUNDO