Bringing pets to work can have a positive impact on both employees and employers. One study by the American Pet Products Association found that employees who bring their pets to work report lower stress levels, increased job satisfaction, and a stronger sense of loyalty to their employers compared to those who do not bring their pets to work.

As a result, many companies are now adopting pet-friendly workplace policies. However, creating a pet-friendly office culture requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and employees. In this guide, we will provide HR professionals with a punch list of steps to create a pet-friendly office culture.

Creating a Pet Friendly Office Culture Step-by-Step

  1. Establish Clear Guidelines and Policies:
  • Create policies and guidelines for bringing pets to work.
  • Ensure all pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
  • Establish rules for feeding, watering, and walking pets in the office.

2.  Designate Pet Areas:

  • Create specific areas in the office where pets can rest, play, or eat.
  • Establish an outdoor area for dogs to go potty.
  • Clearly communicate pet areas to all employees.

3.  Provide Pet-Friendly Amenities:

  • Provide water bowls, beds, toys, or a pet play area.
  • Ensure that these amenities are separate from workspaces.

4.  Train Your Employees:

  • Communicate guidelines and policies to your team.
  • Educate employees on how to properly handle and care for pets.
  • Provide training or resources to help employees become more comfortable around pets.

5.  Encourage Responsibility:

  • Encourage pet owners to be responsible for their pets' behavior.
  • Establish a system for monitoring pets in the workplace, such as a sign-up sheet or designated pet care volunteer.
  • Ensure that pet owners clean up after their pets and hold them accountable.

By following these steps, HR can create a pet-friendly office culture that is safe, comfortable, and welcoming to both pets and employees. A pet-friendly workplace can improve employee satisfaction and productivity, and help promote the company's brand as a leader in pet-friendly workplace culture.

For more information of pet benefits to offer your employees, please connect with Wagmo here.