Believe it or not, the prospect of sitting down at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week is not something that brings a tremendous amount of joy to most people. No matter how much you love your work, it can become monotonous, stressful and tiring. How does one combat this vicious triad from occurring in the workplace? The answer is not a new type of chair or the latest technology device, but rather something that experts have found is transforming business at growing companies like Google and Ben & Jerry’s: pets in the workplace.
It may seem slightly counterintuitive as pets can be noisy, rambunctious and require attention throughout the day, but recent reports are indicating that pets can actually boost morale in the workplace by making happier coworkers and inspiring a more manageable work pace. Here are a few reasons to consider introducing pets into your workplace:
Animals Can Lower Stress Levels
In a place loaded with deadlines, schedules and the needs of bosses and coworkers the workplace can be a very stressful environment. One way to reduce stress and increase satisfaction in the workplace and, in turn, increase productivity, is to invite our furry, four-legged friends to share this space.
Research shows that animal interaction can help to lower blood pressure as well as reduce depression and anxiety. Hospitals have even shown that patients recovering from surgery see faster recovery rates when animal therapy is introduced in the process. This is evident in places of employment as well.
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In 2012, a Virginia University did a study on a 550-person office in Greensboro, North Carolina, that brought 20 to 30 dogs to work each day. At the end of the trial period, researchers took samples of employees to measure signs of stress levels. Those who were able to bring their dogs to the office reported their stress as declining throughout the day, while those who left their dogs at home had higher levels of stress.
Animals Break the Ice
The workplace is a myriad of busy sounds: keyboards typing, shuffling papers the occasional ringing phone and subsequent business conversation. Animals have a way of breaking that monotony and encouraging interactions between co-workers, which have been known to boost bond and morale in the office.
The Humane Society recently reiterated the findings of a 2010 study by the University of Central Michigan that showed how pets foster bonding in the workplace: “The CMU study involved several experiments; one involving groups of four individuals, some with or without dogs. Each group member was charged with a fake crime, and surveyed to see if they would report their fellow group members. Groups with dogs present made employees 30 percent less likely to report each other, showing that canine coworkers make for a more cohesive and trustworthy workplace environment.”
Animals Force Breaks
In one of the most counterintuitive ways imaginable, pets make workers more productive by pulling them away from work. Many workers do not take breaks if their employers do not mandate them to do so. As a result, many workers may not leave their desks for extended periods of time.
By pulling workers away from their desks for walk breaks, dogs can help to sustain the mental effort it takes to work for eight hours a day. Breaks are great for mental clarity and have been known to boost happiness and creativity.
TRIBUS is committed to every one of its clients getting the most out of their work day. Please feel free to contact us about our services, which do not cover pet supplying, today.
