Guest Article by Sarah Bull
Do you love pets? Have you thought of bringing your love of animals into the workplace? If you’re a business owner who allows staff and customers to bring their pets into your business, you could actually find yourself reaping quite a few benefits. Here are some of the upsides of a pet-friendly business:
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The Impact on Employee Morale
Did you know that pets can boost mood and productivity? According to CHRON, staff who bring their animals to work tend to have more personal satisfaction. When someone is under a lot of stress, he or she may lack focus. You have a higher likelihood of staff calling in sick or quitting. Mental health has a significant impact on a person's ability to work or remain healthy. Pets bring joy to people. Additionally, pets have a calming nature to help people cope with work-related stress.
Employee morale has a significant impact on your business. When your staff has high morale, they care more about your company. They care about the products they sell or the services they offer. While pets can boost employee morale, a robust benefits package also helps. You can provide your staff with various benefits, including child care, healthcare, flexible hours, and disability insurance. When you offer benefits, you message that you care about your staff and their well-being. Giving your team paid vacation and personal days, along with the ability to bring their pet to work may help you retain and hire talented employees.
The Social Benefits
In the U.S., a survey by Curiosity at Work showed that 96% of people owned pets at some point throughout their lives. Pets create a connection between people. When customers and clients arrive, the pets spark conversation. Pets are also a safe zone. Many people love them and regardless of opinions or lifestyle, everyone can come together in their love of a dog or cat. Social interaction helps your business and allowing animals can promote more social interaction.
In addition to giving your customers and staff a way to connect with one another, your pet-friendly business can attract new people. Think about the demographic you want to reach. Are they pet owners? Think about working with pet-related companies to market yourself. For example, purchase supplies from a local pet supply shop to create a network of support.
The Work Behind Pet-Friendly Businesses
To create a pet-friendly business, you have to vet some of the pets you allow your staff to bring to work. Make sure that all pets have up-to-date vaccinations, good hygiene, and obedience training. The employees should understand all rules associated with pets to ensure a safe environment for everyone. If you have multiple pets in the office, introduce them slowly so they can acclimate. To keep the pets safe, focus on pet-proofing.
Ensure all trashcans have lids, keep all food out of reach, and designate a place outside for bathroom breaks. When it comes to dogs, some may need to stay on a leash initially. A new office environment can be overwhelming at first, and leashes next to their owners can reduce some of the anxiety. Make sure to provide veterinarian-approved pet products to your employees. They likely value their pets like family members and want them to be well cared for. A few well-reviewed pet beds will certainly be welcome.
There is a high demand for pet-friendly businesses. Spending time with animals can decrease anxiety and depression. Additionally, it may boost productivity. Creating a pet-friendly space may take some preparation, but it pays off in the long run.