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Pets Bring Positive Benefits to the Office
New research from the Society of Human Resource Management states that 8 percent of employers allow pets in the work place. This percentage increased from 5 percent in 2013.
Companies like Amazon, Etsy, Google and Petco are among that 8 percent – MFiber would also be included in the list of employers that allow pets in the office.
Employees and employers can see many benefits from furry friends being at the office.
1. Reduces stress.
According to Virginia Commonwealth University employees who bring their dogs to work produce less cortisol, the stress causing hormone, while producing more oxytocin, the stress reducing hormone.
It’s no secret that some days at the office can be stressful. Being able to reach down and pet your dog or take a break from an intense situation to play with your dog can offer some stress relief. Happy employees, who aren’t stressed out at work, lead to more productive employees.
It’s no secret that some days at the office can be stressful. Being able to reach down and pet your dog or take a break from an intense situation to play with your dog can offer some stress relief. Happy employees, who aren’t stressed out at work, lead to more productive employees.
2. Willingness to work longer hours.
Employees who are allowed to bring their pets to the office may be inclined to work longer hours. When pets are at the office owners aren’t worried about getting home to care for their animals. These long hours at the office will become more enjoyable because their canine companion is by their side.
3. Sets the tone for the office.
Offices that allow pets can be perceived as a comfortable and flexible working environment.
4. Make new friends.
Dogs can increase workplace interactions among employees. Coworkers may bond with an office dog, which provides common ground among coworkers who may not have shared a common interest otherwise.
Dogs in the office can also act as an ice breaker and eliminate natural human barriers in situations such as big meetings or interviews.
Dogs in the office can also act as an ice breaker and eliminate natural human barriers in situations such as big meetings or interviews.
5. Increases exercise.
Bringing dogs to the office forces employees to get out of the office and exercise. Employees will voluntarily increase their physical activity levels by ensuring their dog gets the proper amount of exercise needed during the work day. These walks could also refresh employees, leading to more creative and productive work.
There are many benefits to allowing pets in the workplace but perhaps the best benefit of all is it can make the office feel like a true home-away-from-home.
There are many benefits to allowing pets in the workplace but perhaps the best benefit of all is it can make the office feel like a true home-away-from-home.
Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications
Lynzee Glass has always had a passion for agriculture. Lynzee grew up in a small southwest Missouri town on her parents’ beef cattle operation. Her true appreciate for agriculture was developed during her involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Lynzee attended Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. After graduation Lynzee worked as the managing editor of Ozarks Farm and Neighbor newspaper, a regional livestock publication, where she had the opportunity to share the stories of Ozark farmers. Throughout that time, Lynzee was published over 100 times. Under her direction as managing editor, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor was award first-place in newspaper- general excellence by the Livestock Publications Council. She has also been recognized in the industry for her writing and photography skills.
Today, her role as Director of Communications gives her the opportunity to continue working in agriculture. Lynzee oversees the website, social media, event planning, marketing and advertising.
When Lynzee is not at the office she can be found volunteering within her church, serving as the marketing chair for Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture Alumni and spending time with family and friends.