Hot Dogs
We’ve spent many a happy hour writing about flexible working over the years. We’ve pondered the leaving of offices, the return to offices and the commute to offices. We’ve written about family-friendly offices, environmentally-friendly offices, returner-friendly offices and bottom-line-friendly offices. But we’ve never yet written about pet-friendly offices. This is a new horizon for us too, but one which seems to be gaining increasing traction in workplaces across the globe.
Some of you, at the very mention of the words “pet-friendly offices”, may sit up and beg (for more information). Some of you, on the other hand, may wrinkle your noses. But it’s an issue that is being raised more often than ever before, in our post-pandemic society. It’s been estimated that 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a pet during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. As an increasing number of employees are returning to the office for at least part of the week, some organisations are allowing pets, old and new, to join their owners at work.
Proponents argue that bringing your pet to work lowers levels of stress and thus makes you more efficient and productive. Some employees claim that the serenity arising from a quick cuddle with their pooch improves their professional decision-making. Some companies who’ve adopted pet-friendly policies suggest that owners should take their animals out for a walk at lunchtime, rather than simply eating lunch at their desks. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that leaving your desk and getting some exercise in the fresh air is generally good for your mental health, but – let’s be honest - few of us manage to do it as often as we intend to. Might this be the push that people need to get out and recharge? Others mention the increased creativity that flows from dog-walking meetings, and the role that pets play in breaking the ice with new clients.
Credit: Elba Sindoni
On the other hand, those with pet allergies, or who simply aren’t big fans of animals, may be feeling a little wary of this new development. It’s easy to be polite about a colleague’s beloved hound when you pass them in the park and offer a quick stroke, but some people prefer to focus on work without the distraction or noise of on-site animals. Not all office blocks will allow pets to be brought on site, and depending on your workplace there may be health and safety issues to consider.
Whatever your take on the subject, this is a question which is likely to be raised more and more often, as those lockdown puppies grow into adulthood, and increasing numbers of businesses finalise their plans for post-covid working patterns.
Are pets in the office the future of the modern workplace, or do you feel that an animal’s place is far away from the water cooler? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue!