Mind Matters
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute
Woof, Woof, Work!
Having a Pet-Friendly Workplace BY TRACY WRIGHT
When feeling stressed, many people would say that cuddling with their furry friend seems to cure all ills. A lick on the nose from your hound or a gentle nuzzle from your tabby cat has been shown to lower stress and bring feelings of intense happiness to owners. Does bringing those pets to the office extend these benefits for workers, especially in times of extreme stress?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, owning a pet has many mental and physical health benefits, including decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, less feelings of loneliness and increased opportunities for exercise and socialization.
Pets in the workplace can provide an additional source of social support for employees, which has been associated with lower levels of depression and better job performance whereas low social support at work has been associated with diagnoses of depression and anxiety, according to a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
For Brad Stumpff, owner of UF Mover Guys, bringing his three dogs was originally to benefit the dogs so they would not be crated all day, every day. He brings Ziggy, his 4-year-old Pit Bull rescue, Marlo, a three-year-old Labrador Retriever, and Gerdie, a two-year-old Golden Doodle to the office on days when he is not out on his moving trucks. Stumpff has found that having his dogs in the office with him has not only made his days better, but has increased office morale. His receptionist also brings her Pit Bull rescue dog to the office most days.
How can pets improve productivity? Pets at the workplace can make employees happier, lower stress levels and create a more flexible environment, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Pets can create camaraderie within the workplace and trigger interactions that may not have happened without them. In addition, eliminating the added stress of having to rush home to let a pet out of the house can relax employees and allow them to stay longer to finish projects or collaborate further with work teams.
“Our employees come into the office, which is in a warehouse, and throw around the tennis ball with each of the dogs, which really boosts morale and makes the
Depending on the environment, pets in the workplace can have a transformative effect on the
In a 2012 study, employees who were around dogs in the workplace reported feeling less stressed than employees who have dogs but left them at home, according to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University. The study also found that pets triggered social interactions that would not normally take place.
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office a lot more fun and enjoyable for all of us,� Stumpff said.
WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2020
Bella lounging in Down to Earth Boutique.
MAIN PHOTO BY DEVIN EDWARDS FROM UNSPLASH.COM. BELLA PHOTO COURTESY OF GINA FOX.
Pets at the workplace can make employees happier, lower stress levels and create a more flexible environment.
