Scientists Say Having Pets In the Office Can Reduce Stress And Make You More Productive

Just picture this, peeps: You’re in your office and your boss snaps at you for no fault of yours, out of the blue. You, being just another employee, cannot show your anger at the boss. You manage to put on a brave face though you’re hurt within and try your best to continue working for the rest of the day. Just when you’re battling the demons in your head and trying to concentrate on your work, a dog comes towards you, asking for affection. You end up patting the dog and also get a dog-hug from this four-legged cutie. All your worries melt away and all your demons run away as you get cuddly with this adorable dog. So, answer us now… isn’t having pets at the office the most sensible thing to do?

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What we’re saying is that dogs, cats or any other pet aren’t just man’s best friend anymore, they can be amazing coworkers too! We all know that having a pet at home makes our lives happier each day. The only time in a day when you’re away from your pet is probably when you’re out at work. And this period can be depressing for both the pet owner and the pet. Off late, companies have begun to realize the importance of pets for a happy working environment. Most of the companies not only have pets at work, but they also encourage their employees to bring along their own pets. And if you’re still asking “What’s the necessity?”, science has some answers to that. Read on.

• Pets Help Reduce Stress At Work

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Ask anybody what a stressful environment looks like in their life, and they’d surely take a page out of their work calendar. We wouldn’t argue, because it is true. Every single employee of a company has their own monthly targets to meet and the competition with fellow-employees and other companies in the same sector builds loads of pressure.

A study has revealed that stroking a dog or any other pet decreases the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our body (1).

The study made note of the employee behavior in companies that allowed pets at their workplace versus those companies that didn’t allow. Researchers concluded that companies that allowed pets had a more positive working environment. It’s not surprising, is it? Going for a walk with your dog, or just watching any pet playing — all of it tends to lighten one’s heart. Having pets at work is an excellent way to lower stress in the office.

• Pets Increase The Productivity Of The Employees

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Do you agree that taking regular breaks in between break helps you relax and get back to work with a fresh mind and some extra energy? We agree with that too. And, what better way than to have a furry friend around reminding you to take that break? The routines that are associated with pets — be it walking them around or filling their food bowls — all of these provide you some physical activity, helping you keep away from a sedentary lifestyle. Even studies have shown that a well-deserved break in between work will increase the creativity, productivity, and also the overall health of the person (2).

• Pets Help Boost And Enhance Relationships Within The Work Team

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Have you ever paid attention to the fact that when you walk around with a dog on the street, it becomes easier for you to strike conversations with random people? Try doing that while walking alone and you’ll feel super awkward.

This is because dogs or pets, in general, are considered to be social linkers (3). There have been researches that have proved that having a pet at work significantly improves the coordination among the employees while working (4). The employees are found to be in better moods with dogs around, helping them to positively handle all the work that is given to them in the office. Having pets in the office helps strengthen the relationship with clients as well.

• Pets Decrease The Number Of Sick Leaves Taken By Employees

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When your boss reads this point, he/she’ll get pets to work right away (winks). But it’s true, you see. Pets improve our state of mind and that strikes a positive chord on our overall health as well. Pets make us more active and alert. This indirectly lowers our triglyceride and cholesterol levels and keeps us away from problems like depression. For example, when you just stare at a fishbowl for a couple of minutes, it makes you feel at peace and lowers your blood pressure levels (5).

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Lastly, we’d like to add that it’s not just employees or the company that’s benefited here. Even the pets feel happier and safe in a workspace. Your pet gets the company it’s always craved for. And, if your workplace adopts animals to keep at work, they are doing a noble act of providing food and a home to the loving animals. So, does your workplace have pets or allows pets? If not, then go make your boss read this article!

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