Do you bring your pets to work?

Did you know that bringing pets to work could increase the productivity of your staff in the workplace?  In the Help Desk and Contact Center industry, increased productivity, retention and elevated job performance are at the forefront of managers in service and support centers.  Is it possible that letting people bring animals to the workplace might contribute to these factors being realized?

Consider these facts:

An American Pet Products Manufacturers Association survey of businesses allowing pets in the workplace confirmed the benefits:

• 73 percent indicated pets led to a more productive work environment.
• 27 percent reported a decrease in employee absenteeism.
• 96 percent said pets created positive work relations.
• 58 percent of employees stayed late with pets in the office.

In addition:

• Staff morale increased by bringing pets to work.
• There was increased camaraderie among employees.
• Happier employees enhance job performance.
• Storeowners who take their dogs to work have reported increases in sales.

Sources: American Pet Products Manufacturers Assoc.; Pet Sitters International for Take Your Dog to Work Day 2001

We have multiple clients who permit animals in the workplace and are very successful with their programs.  There must be policies in place to manage pets in the workplace to respect people who have allergies to animals or a fear of some species (i.e. A cage with snakes or tarantulas on your desk might not be a good idea.)  One of our clients has pet cages set up outside in a very safe, dry area.  There is a small field for playing with the dogs too.  It's perfect for animal bonding and de-stressing and eliminates the allergy concern by having the animals deskside.

I have a very good friend who leaves the office every day for lunch to go home and relieve his dogs.  After work he hurries home to again take care of his dogs.  This person is an absolute animal lover.  He is also a very hard worker.  What if he could bring his animals to work?  Likely, he would not feel the level of concern to leave the office at specific times to deal with his dogs if they were just outside of the building or even under his desk.  It is probable that he would be more relaxed at work and be even more productive.

The following resources offer considerations for having pets in the workplace.

I have always loved animals and find they keep me grounded.  I bring my pets to work and find I can stay much more productive.  They also force me to take the needed stretch break that may not have happened otherwise. One of these days I'll tell you about the bear cub and deer I raised and turned back into the wild.  I have loads of animal stories.

Will you email me (solutions4u@hthts.com) if you bring your pet work? How does it work at your company? Have you seen any specific changes in attitudes or stress levels? If you have any pictures, we would love to see them.