Why You Should Allow Employees to Bring Pets to Work and How to Manage It
Part of being a successful manager or business owner is trying to find ways to improve the employee experience at work. One way you can show that you care is to nurture the relationships they have with their pets. Consider these benefits of allowing employees to bring their pets to work and some tips to help you manage the situation.
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Benefit: They Improve Employee Morale
Boosting employee morale should be a goal for every employer. Research shows that improving employee morale drives better engagement and productivity and creates an environment conducive to teamwork. Pets offer a level of emotional support that can benefit everyone in the office. If you add this to the advantage of a robust benefits package with paid personal days and extra vacation time, you can easily show employees how much you care about their well-being. Additionally, it will be easier to find and retain talented staff.
Tip: Keep Pet Products in the Office
Keeping pet products in the office is a great way to support your employees and keep the animal occupied. However, keep in mind that these pets are members of the family. Purchase products that will keep them healthy. Customer reviews are a great source for understanding animal satisfaction. However, reviews from veterinarians are a better source for health and safety benefits. Look for websites that offer professional reviews as well.
Benefit: They Promote Coworker Bonding
Sometimes office workers can be isolated in their cubicles or offices. This can be detrimental to productivity and employee morale. Office pets promote social interaction and bonding between coworkers, creating a more comfortable work environment. Additionally, those interactions can lead to beneficial collaborations between departments, creating a more productive staff.
Tip: Create Guidelines
Creating a company pet policy shouldn't be taken lightly. You will need to come up with some rules. For example, you should restrict any aggressive breeds that may cause issues with other pets. Ask employees to ensure all pets are groomed and trained to relieve themselves outdoors. Require flea and tick treatment to protect the office from any unwanted critters.
Benefit: It Creates a Good Image for Your Company
Pets create an image of a comfortable, warm work environment. This is appealing to potential employees and clients. Caring for animals tells other people that you and your company are more trustworthy and kind, which makes your business more attractive. For potential employees, it can make them feel more connected to the company and part of the team.
Tip: Discuss This Idea with Employees Without Pets
It is easy to get excited about the prospect of having cute little animals around the office. However, you have to consider how everyone feels about the prospect. Talk to your employees as a whole and encourage anyone with concerns to come to you in private. Some people may have allergies or phobias, and you don't want to risk making someone uncomfortable in their place of work.
Adding pets to the office comes with many benefits, but it can go wrong if not properly regulated. Remember to think this through before you decide to go with it. Purchase pet products and regulate the type of pets allowed. With an effective plan, your office atmosphere will change for the better.