The Rise of Pet-Friendly Workplaces: Benefits and Considerations

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France.

Who would have thought Anatole’s words would be practical more than a century later? Not just in homes, but in workplaces!

Let’s agree. Offices that were once ruled by the hum of machines and keyboard clacks are slowly being softened by the presence of four-legged companions.

Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon and Google have opened their doors to furry and feathered friends.

This article examines the growing trend of pets in workplaces and considerations. You’ll also learn how pet-friendly workplaces help employees to have:

• Lower stress when working since they don’t worry about the safety of their pets at home
• Better work-life balance, which increases their productivity
• More satisfaction when working and a positive perspective of their workplace

The Growing Trend of Pet-Friendly Workplaces

National Take Your Dog To Work Day, observed every 21st June, came into existence in 1999. This shows that pet-friendly workplaces have been there for a few decades now. And are on the rise, for all the good reasons. Research shows pets' positive effects on human health and social interaction. For example, according to a 2021 survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 87% of pet owners report improved mental health.

Companies are more aware of the benefits of pet ownership and have established pet-friendly policies.

• Google: It has been pet-friendly since its early days in 1999, with Yoshka as its first canine visitor. Dogs are the most common pets at Google campuses, which is evidenced in the company’s “Dooglers” community.
• Amazon: It has a well-established “Dogs at Work” program. Amazon’s dog-friendly culture started with a Corgi named Rufus in its early days. Now, there are over 10,000 dogs registered to come to work at Amazon, with dog-friendly features like paw wash stations and dog parks in some offices.
• Salesforce: It has a “Puppyforce” room where employees can book a desk and bring their dog to work.

Benefits of Pet-Friendly Workplaces

Pet-friendly workplaces benefit both employees and employers. Here are the top benefits:

Improve Employee Well-being

“A dog is a bond between strangers.” —John Steinbeck

There’s no better way to capture the essence of pet-friendly workplaces to employees than with Steinbeck’s words.

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Interactions with pets have been shown to lower cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. This leads to a more relaxed and productive work environment.
• Improved mood and morale: The act of stroking a pet can release endorphins, enhancing mood and morale. This helps employees have a more positive view of the employer and increases job satisfaction.
• Improved work-life balance: Employees with pets at work don’t need external care for them. They have less worry about their pets because they know their safety is guaranteed. Also, they can take breaks to attend to their pets’ needs, which can help them return to their work refreshed and re-energized.

Fostering Company Culture and Image

Incorporating a pet-friendly policy in the workplace can significantly enhance company culture and image by:

• Attracting and retaining top talent: It signals the company’s commitment to accommodating the personal lives of its staff.
• Fostering a positive and relaxed work environment: This increases creativity, productivity, and collaboration—all of which contribute to the growth of the company.
• Increasing employee loyalty and engagement: Employees will know that their personal needs are acknowledged.

Considerations for Pet-Friendly Workplaces

Sure, pet-friendly workplaces have benefits to employers and employees. But there should be a few considerations when implementing pet-inclusive policies. This ensures that workplaces are suitable for pet owners, non-pet owners, and pets.

Some factors to consider when implementing pet-friendly policies at workplaces include:

Pets: Health, Safety, and Behavior

Pets should be:

• Up-to-date on all vaccinations and treatments to prevent the spread of diseases among themselves and humans.
• Clean and well-groomed to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
• Properly trained to behave appropriately in a workplace setting.
• Potty-trained, non-aggressive, and able to handle a busy office environment without causing disruptions.

Workplace: Integration and Employee Concerns

Considerations should be put in place for noisy or disruptive pets such as dogs that bark excessively. One way to do this is by setting aside a dog room or training them to be peaceful.
Companies should also limit the number of pets allowed at any one time to prevent overcrowding.
Employees who have pet allergies and phobias should be considered. In such cases, pet spaces (for those who bring pets) come in handy since they accommodate both pet owners and non-owners.
Also, the policy should be inclusive and provide equal access to all employees who wish to bring their pets.

Legal Considerations and Local Regulations

Implementing a pet-friendly workplace policy requires legal considerations and adherence to local regulations in place. The following factors should be considered:

• Employers should be aware of their potential liability for any pet-related incidents, such as bites or allergies. Insurance coverage can help address these risks.
• Companies must comply with the local laws that require reasonable accommodations for service animals such as dogs, miniature horses, and birds. For example:
  • The US has the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) that addresses the use of service animals at work.
• Employers may consider having employees sign waivers or agreements that outline the responsibilities and expectations for bringing pets to work.

Local regulations governing the workplace should also be factored in. For example:

• Some industries, like food service, may have strict health codes that prohibit pets in the workplace. Always check local health regulations to ensure compliance.
• Review zoning laws and ordinances, as some areas may have restrictions on the types of animals allowed in commercial spaces.
• If you don’t own your workplace, obtain permission from your landlord or management company to ensure that a pet-friendly policy doesn’t violate lease agreements or building policies.

Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are the New Normal

There’s no doubt that pet-friendly workplaces are today’s go-to spaces. Millennials and Gen Z value work-life balance and a sense of community, which makes a pet-friendly company more attractive to them.

Allowing pets in offices not only enhances a company’s appeal to top talent but also fosters a more productive work environment. commitment to employee satisfaction and a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance.

Pet-friendly workplaces are here to stay and the sooner more companies embrace such policies, the better. We need more compassionate workplaces that help employees know their needs are catered for, and those of their furry buddies.

This article was written by Nondiah Khalayi, our cherished author and storyteller hailing from Nairobi.