Benefits of Having a Pet in the Office

Pet-friendly offices are becoming increasingly more popular and for good reason. There are numerous benefits of having pets in the office for both employees and management.

Savvy business owners now realize that workers crave a better work-life balance and many companies are adapting accordingly. One way is by investing in pet-friendly workspaces. Studies show that a pet-friendly workspace is not only a huge advantage for employees who own pets, but it can also benefit the company as a whole. Here are just a few of the benefits of having pets in the office.

Better Employee Retention

Management also benefits from pet-friendly spaces because employees tend to stay longer at jobs where they are welcome to bring their pets to work. Pet-friendly policies provide added convenience for employees and show workers that the company cares about their health and well-being. In the same Nationwide and HABRI study mentioned above, researchers found that 72% of people working for a pet-friendly company would decline another job at similar pay compared to 44% of people working for non-pet-friendly companies. For this reason, savvy employers are exploring opportunities for employees to bring Rover to work.

“We’ve definitely seen increased interest from prospective tenants in having a pet-friendly office,” notes Christopher Rundle, Commercial Leasing Manager at Mission Group. “Many people got a pet during the pandemic and those pets are used to having their owners around. At The Block, Mission Group’s, Class A office tower in downtown Kelowna, we’ve created intentional pet-friendly amenities for our workspaces. We hope to address the needs of workers and their pets as everyone makes this transition towards being back in the office.”

Lower Stress Levels

Any pet owner will tell you that just being around animals can lower stress levels—and science backs this up. A Virginia Commonwealth University study determined that employees who brought their dogs to work had significantly less stress throughout the day than people who did not bring dogs to work. Another study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine reports that just being in the presence of a dog, even an unfamiliar one, can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Increased Office Morale

Pets add a level of positivity to the workplace that can be beneficial for boosting office morale. Animals are a great way to spark conversations between employees. This can lead to better communication and trust. Pets can also improve employee perception of the business as a whole. A study conducted by Nationwide and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 90% of people in pet-friendly workspaces felt connected to their company’s mission compared to 65% of people in workplaces that were not pet-friendly.

More Opportunities for Exercise

Because pets need regular bathroom breaks and occasional walks, they offer a great excuse for employees to get out of their chairs and get their bodies moving. Even playing with a pet for a few minutes in the office can work the muscles and improve blood circulation. Exercise is not only good for the body, it can also boost work performance. A Leeds Metropolitan University study (2008) found that workers who exercised during the workday were more productive and motivated to tackle work tasks.

There’s no disputing that pet-friendly office spaces add value for employees and management alike. To adapt to the new normal, many businesses are seeking out office spaces that can accommodate pets. The Block is one such space. A commercial office tower for lease in downtown Kelowna, designed with business and balance in mind, The Block not only welcomes pets but has a 225-square-foot dog run onsite.