Pet-friendly workplaces have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Studies have shown that there are numerous benefits to having pets in the workplace, particularly in terms of employee mental health. This blog will explore some of the ways in which pet-friendly workplaces can improve employee mental health.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
One of the most significant benefits of having pets in the workplace is that they can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels among employees. Research has shown that petting an animal can lower cortisol, a hormone associated with stress (Beetz et al., 2012). The mere presence of pets can create a calming environment in the workplace, which can help employees to feel more relaxed and at ease.
Increased Social Support
Pets can also serve as a source of social support in the workplace. They can facilitate interactions between coworkers and help to build relationships. One study found that employees who bring their dogs to work reported higher levels of social support from coworkers (Barker et al., 2012). This social support can be particularly beneficial for employees' mental health, as research has linked a supportive workplace to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Coope et al., 2020).
Improved Mood and Job Satisfaction
Having pets in the workplace can also have a positive effect on employees' mood and job satisfaction. A study by Banfield Pet Hospital found that employees who were allowed to bring their pets to work reported higher levels of job satisfaction and a better overall mood (Banfield Pet Hospital, 2016). This improved mood can be attributed to the release of endorphins that occurs when petting an animal, which can create feelings of happiness and well-being.
Increased Physical Activity
Pets in the workplace can also encourage employees to be more physically active. Walking or playing with a dog during lunch breaks can provide a much-needed break from sitting at a desk all day, and can improve physical health as well as mental health. A study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that employees who walked their dogs during work breaks reported increased levels of physical activity and decreased levels of stress (Perrine & Wells, 2016).
Reduce Burnout
Pet-friendly workplaces can help to reduce burnout among employees. A study by Savitsky et al. (2017) found that pet therapy had a positive effect on the occupational stress levels of intensive care unit nurses. Similarly, the American Heart Association (n.d.) notes that pets can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, which can be exacerbated by stress.
Things to Consider
One other point to consider is the potential impact of pets on workplace productivity. While pet-friendly workplaces can have a positive impact on employee mental health, they may also introduce new distractions and require additional time and resources to maintain cleanliness and safety standards. Employers should consider these factors and establish clear guidelines and expectations for pet ownership in the workplace to ensure that pets do not become a hindrance to productivity (Wells, 2007).
According to a study by Barker et al. (2012), dogs in the workplace were found to increase employee satisfaction and morale, but they also resulted in decreased productivity due to employees taking breaks to interact with the dogs. Additionally, a study by Friedenberg et al. (2016) found that pet-friendly policies can also result in increased costs for employers due to the need for additional cleaning and maintenance.
Overall, pet-friendly workplaces can provide a valuable benefit to employees and their mental health. However, it is important for employers to carefully consider the potential impact on productivity and establish clear guidelines to ensure that the policy is effective for all employees.
In conclusion, pet-friendly workplaces can have a positive impact on employee mental health, by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing social support, improving mood and job satisfaction, and encouraging physical activity. Employers who are considering implementing a pet-friendly policy should weigh the benefits and risks carefully, and consult with employees to ensure that the policy is appropriate and inclusive.
References:
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Pets and Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/pets-and-your-health
Banfield Pet Hospital. (2016). Banfield Pet Hospital PAWrometer. Retrieved from https://www.banfield.com/Banfield/media/PDF/Downloads/surveys/Banfield-PAWrometer-Report-2016.pdf
Barker, R. T., Knisely, J. S., Barker, S. B., Cobb, R. K., & Schubert, C. M. (2012). Preliminary investigation of employee's dog presence on stress and organizational perceptions. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 5(1), 15-30. doi: 10.1108/17538351211215354
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and Psychophysiological
Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234
Coope, C., et al. (2020). Workplace social support, depression and job satisfaction among health care workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 29(3), 279-293. doi: 10.1111/inm.12673
Friedenberg, J., Guralnik, O., & Seri, G. (2016). Pet-friendly policies: Exploring the costs and benefits for organizations. Journal of Business and Psychology, 31(1), 113-123. doi: 10.1007/s10869-015-9403-2
Perrine, R. M., & Wells, D. L. (2016). The Effect of Service Dogs on Mental Health and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Persons with Disabilities. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 32(1), 38-48. doi: 10.1080/0164212x.2015.1114928
Savitsky, B., Findler, L., Ereli, A., & Hendel, T. (2017). The Effect of Pet Therapy on the Occupational Stress of Intensive Care Unit Nurses. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 7(3), 40-49. doi: 10.5430/jnep.v7n3p40