Managers and leaders of organizations are exploring the best way to conduct hybrid and in-person work. They want to make their offices as welcoming as possible, while also maximizing the time spent in the office for collaboration activities. It's a good time to think outside the box.
Lori Blair, the owner of Urban Tail, Toronto's premiere dog walking service, suggests one that you might not have thought of: your office pet policy. We make a case for allowing four-legged friends to be a competitive edge based on an new article published in the Journal of Management by our colleagues Carisa Lam from University College London, and Kai Chi Yam from the National University of Singapore.
Pet-Friendly offices as a tool for recruitment and retention
Today, 66% American households have a pet . These numbers are higher among millennials, Gen-Zs, and even older generations. Nearly one fifth of families have added a pet since the pandemic shut down. In the last three years, many employees have settled into a work arrangement that includes their four-legged friends: snuggling during a Zoom conference call or taking a walk in the afternoon.
You may not be happy with the choice made by employees who are forced to choose between returning to work or their pet. A study revealed that veterinary nurses who were forced to separate from their pets felt intense guilt and dissatisfaction with their jobs. survey results indicate an increasing number employees are planning their workdays and career choices with pets in mind. Many confessions are posted on online discussion forums, such as this one by The Dodo. "I quit my full-time Chicago job to spend more quality time with Cody – and I don't regret it."
In contrast, the presence of pets in an office can have tangible benefits. In diverse environments -- including traditional offices, but also Universities and Hospitals as well as Courthouses - studies have shown that animals increase employee commitment, career satisfaction, and reduce turnover intentions. The positive effects are seen even in employees who do not have pets or don't interact with animals on the job. Why? Pet-friendly policies are viewed as a sign that employers value their employees' well-being. Job seekers prefer workplaces that are pet-friendly. It is important to welcome pets into the workplace to attract and retain employees.
Office pets improve workplace well-being
Both in academic surveys and U.S. In both academic and U.S. These people are onto something. We found in various studies that animals provide comfort to employees, reduce stress, improve work engagement and enhance work-life balance. In one study the presence of facility canines in hospitals was linked to increased employee satisfaction, positive attitudes towards their jobs, and better mental health.
Office pets can spark collaboration
Our author team found it most surprising that pet-friendly workplaces facilitate better communication and information sharing, as well as contributing to coworker bonding and friendships. In interviews, workers describe pet friendly workplaces as encouraging better communication and sharing of information and contributing to friendships and coworker bonds. Pets increase employee interaction, reduce feelings isolation and facilitate fruitful conversations. You may have experienced this if you stopped by your colleague's desk to pet their dog, and ended up in a serendipitous conversation. In a series of laboratory experiments, psychologists discovered that participants who worked on decision-making task in the presence of a canine (versus when a dog was absent) rated their team as being more friendly and attentive. This increased their cooperation and interpersonal trust.
Companion animals are especially important for employees with chronic health issues, disabilities and mental health challenges. They provide them with nonjudgmental company, open up social opportunities and enhance their independence. This is equally (if not even more) true for service dogs, which are a separate legal category. The office can become more inclusive and social by welcoming pets. This is a key condition for fostering creative collaboration.
What are the challenges of a pet policy that is inclusive at work?
Hopefully, we have inspired you to welcome pets. Now let's be honest about the challenges.
Pet-friendly workplaces are viewed by a documented minority as unprofessional, unclean or unsafe. Even those who are in favor of the idea may not be happy with a pet-friendly office if they have to share their space and work environment with aggressive, noisy or disruptive animals. redditor wrote that "I used to be a WeWork employee and I'd open our office door for ventilation. I've lost count of how many times a dog from another floor would come bounding into the room and disturb everyone." I love dogs, so I was amused by a soppy boxer asking for attention. But it's not appropriate in the workplace.
The concerns are magnified in organizations that have employees who frequently interact with external stakeholders such as clients, contractors and consumers. Office Labradors Coffee Shop Kitties Bodega Cats, and even Barbershop Roosters are all praised for improving the mood of customers. However, we should be aware that these results may not apply to other organizations.
Many people may not express their concerns openly. Since years, askamanager.com has received conflicting requests for confidential advice. Both and support as well as and are opposed to office animals. A study analyzed five organizations who had implemented dog-friendly policies between three months and 20 years ago. The study found that harmony in the workplace, and acceptance from those who prefer to keep pets out of their offices, can be difficult, but is possible if three criteria are met. The employees must be able to exercise their job autonomy. For example, they can take the dog outside when it is in need of a rest or distance themselves from an annoying pet. A culture of respect and open communication is also needed, so that no one suffers alone. Finally, all employees should adopt a "trial and error mentality" as well as be open to updating any agreements if necessary.
How to Form a Pet Insurance Policy: Practical Advice
The time is right to implement a pet policy as organizations experiment with hybrid working arrangements or a gradual transition back to the office. We will highlight some key considerations.
Understanding the unique needs and concerns of your workplace, as well as all stakeholders.
It is important to be clear on when and where animals are allowed, the owner's responsibilities and how to deal with infractions. There are many resources to help. We now know, for example, that breed-specific bans do not work and don't improve safety. It is better to use behavioral guidelines instead (i.e. don't prohibit Dobermans, but ban dogs that are disruptive).
Consider the local and legal requirements.
As a redditor joked "no Burmese Pythons in the Lobby." Review the liability for accidents and specify hygienic standards of areas like cafeterias. Communicate all of this to your employees. You don't need to do it all by yourself. There are many resources that can be accessed by industries such as hospitality and air travel who have made the switch to accepting certain companion animals. Hilton provides ideas on what to have in case of accidents, while the Department of Transportation addresses safety and signage issues. The Pets Work at Work Toolkit contains exemplary guidelines.
Pilot your small business.
To ease the transition into the office, limit pets to certain days or choose spaces that respect the needs and concerns of those who have them. Be flexible and open-minded to all feedback. Employee resource groups that are dedicated to pets can be an excellent ally for managers who have limited time.
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