The Influence of Pets and Animals on Employee Engagement

In today’s constantly evolving workplace, companies are always looking for new ways to differentiate when it comes to hiring top talent, increasing employee satisfaction and engagement, and boosting overall retention rates.

Many perks help achieve these goals, including remote work arrangements, flexible schedules, unlimited PTO, company social events, and even smaller things and even free coffee and snacks in the office. Yet there is an additional approach that when implemented effectively can also deliver impressive results: pet-friendly policies that allow employees to bring their furry companions to the office.

In the not-so-distant past, this would have been unimaginable. Yet industry leaders such as Apple, Amazon, and Google have all recently implemented pet-friendly policies. More impressively, they have improved key parts of their business, including company culture, employee wellbeing, and overall productivity. 

Key Benefits of Pet-Friendly Policies

Creating bring-your-dog-to-work and other pet-friendly policies can become a valuable win-win scenario, capable of delivering a wide range of benefits for employees and the employer. 

1. Increased morale, satisfaction, and productivity

Many companies discover having pets in the office often leads to a more positive work environment, and one that the workforce really appreciates. For example, employees enjoy spending more time with their dog or cat, and can often work longer hours instead of having to rush home to feed or let them out at the end of the day. 

2. Valuable new collaboration and other social interactions

Often, just having pets in the office can go a long way to breaking down more formal barriers and encourage employees to quickly and naturally begin to interact with others. These pet policies can also lead to meaningful new friendships – in and out of the office – leading to even more teamwork and support. 

3. Reduced absenteeism
Studies have found that pet-owning employees participating in their company’s bring-your-pet-to-work policy took far fewer sick days. It’s understandable when you consider that employees may often take sick or personal time to bring pets to veterinary appointments, get groomed, or just spend more time with them.  

4. Encourage refreshing breaks and workplace exercise
Employees with pets have to take a quick break throughout the day to interact with their pet, feed them or take them for a quick walk. This can break up monotonous routines and lead to new breakthrough ideas or innovations. It also breaks the cycle of too much sedentary activity and encourages healthier habits in the workplace. 

5. Lower stress and anxiety

Studies have also shown that just the presence of dogs, cats, and other animals can instantly lower stress levels and anxiety. This is why service dogs are used in schools, hospitals, and other settings and the same can be true at work. 

6. Better retention rates

Finally, pet-friendly policies can be very appealing to prospective employees and may even be the difference in helping your organization land top candidates over the competition. Then, once aboard, pet policies also help retain employees who value the wide range of perks associated with bringing their pet to the office.

By fostering a pet-friendly environment, just about any company can build a more engaging, productive, and employee-centric workplace that is more focused on going above and beyond to contribute to the business’ success. 

Potential Concerns

While there are many possible benefits, there are also concerns and risks that can’t be overlooked. 

1. Allergies
According to some estimates, up to 10-20% of people are allergic to dog and cat hair, with some even having extreme reactions. If too many of your employees suffer from allergies, the negative effects – and fallout – may outweigh any benefits a pet-friendly program can deliver. 

2. Phobias and dislikes
Additionally, some people may suffer from phobias and lesser fears of dogs or other animals from past bad experiences such as a dog bite. Instead of reducing stress and anxiety, pet policies may increase their levels and can even leave some worried about their safety. 

3. Distraction levels and decreased productivity
You may also want to consider the potential for distraction, disruption, and even lower productivity if the right controls aren’t put in place. What if too many dogs start barking during an important client call? What if employees spend too much time walking a dog or socializing with their peers and their pets? All of this could have an adverse effect on productivity and should be factored into your plan. 

All of these potential negative consequences raise valid concerns and highlight the need to follow specific best practices when designing the most effective policy possible. 

Best Practices for Designing and Implementing Pet-Friendly Policies

There are many different approaches and options to pet programs and initiatives. These can include pets in the office, sponsored animal therapy programs, or even just giving workers a chance to share pictures or stories about their pets – either in person or using a dedicated channel as part of an employee communication tool. 

Integrating actual pets or even the concepts of animals into the workplace can be an extremely effective way to build and sustain a more connected, motivated, and focused workforce. 

Yet it’s important to note that not every workplace is suited for every kind of animal or that all employees may not fully embrace this policy. For example, we can’t imagine that an official bring-your-snake-day would be much of a hit! 

All of this highlights the need for careful consideration and specific best practices when it comes to developing your specific policy, planning communications, and developing clear guidelines. 

• Establish clear guidelines that spell out the rules of your policy.

• Consider workspace layout and logistics to balance the needs of employees with pets as well as those who may not want to be close to them. 

• Get buy-in and support from leadership and employees and even consider getting them to demonstrate their commitment by bringing their own pet. 

• Communicate policy details in a positive, professional tone.

By following these best practices and carefully planning and communicating, your policy will have its best chance of success. 

The Tail Wagging Effect: Creating a More Engaging Workplace

A well-planned pet-friendly policy can help your company increase employee satisfaction, reduce stress, and promote a more collaborative workplace. By carefully addressing potential concerns and defining clear guidelines for your pet policy, you can create a new environment that supports employees and their furry companions for the best results possible. 

Author:

This article is written by Jason Rasmuson in close association with HR Cloud. HR Cloud is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk.