Ohhhhh… The MANY Benefits of Animals

Research has shown that pets offer many health benefits.  In fact, doctors are prescribing pets to treat mental illness and enhance wellness; teachers are incorporating pets in the classroom setting; and therapy animals are bringing emotional support, comfort and joy to sick patients of all ages.  Workplaces are also increasingly becoming pet-friendly adding many benefits to employers and employees.

Just a few benefits of dogs in the workplace 

1. Reduce Stress AND Blood Pressure – Dogs can serve as a proactive method of staying healthy and avoiding health issues, therefore potentially saving money on future healthcare costs.

2. Increase Social Interaction –  Dogs in the workplace keep spirits high and add a little comic relief. Laughter and positivity are contagious, adding to good morale and a positive work environment. 

3. Make Work Environment More Comfortable – Having a dog in the workplace can make the office feel more comfortable and flexible, which can increase employee comfort and productivity. 

4. Customers Are More Relaxed and Interactive – Pets provide a sense of ease for customers and an automatic ice breaker for interaction.  

My pup Boomer hangin’ out in my hubby’s office

Dogs can be calming leading to reduced blood pressure, lower stress, and more friendly and productive employees.

Studies prove the many benefits that dogs can have in the workplace.  For example, a 2012 study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that there was a significant difference found in the stress patterns between the NON-DOG group and the DOG group.  Employees who brought their dogs to work had reduced stress throughout the day compared to colleagues without pets. 

5 Tips For A Dog Friendly Workplace

1. Maintain Good Hygiene –  Make sure that your dog is bathed and groomed.  All dogs should also be clear of any fleas or ticks.

2. Current Vaccinations –  It is important that your dog’s vaccines are up to date.

3. Slow Introduction – Introduce dogs slowly, and in a neutral place outside.  New environments with different people and other dogs can increase the stress level of everyone.  

4. Discuss Issues – Make sure to discuss any issues as soon as they arise, so that you can find a resolution to it in a timely manner.

5. Behavioral Issues / Dietary Needs – Make sure all employees know of any behavioral issues and/or dietary needs.  This will help prevent any unforeseen issues.

Some Additional Benefits of Dogs In The Workplace

Dogs in the workplace are a good reminder to pause and step back from whatever employees are involved in.  Short walks, a little playtime, and temporary distractions allow mental breaks to help avoid being overworked and become stressed.  To find out more about that, see blog post on “How An Active Lifestyle Aids Productivity”.

I hope you enjoyed this post!  Our community would love your feedback, so make sure to comment in the comment section below.  Tell us how you feel about dogs in the workplace.