To encourage their staff to return to the office after the pandemic, employers need to be creative. There are a number of tactics that you can use, one of the more popular options being to become pet friendly. When working from home, your staff were able to look after their pets with ease. If you ask them to return to work, providing this care becomes a challenge.
So, if you’re considering becoming pet friendly, here are the pros and cons that you need to consider.
Pro: Boost productivity
It’s fair to assume that having animals in the office would be distracting. In fact, the opposite is often the case. Allowing animals in your office – within reason – has a number of benefits for your staff, all of which will lead to greater productivity. Greater productivity will only benefit your business in the long term.
Con: Distractions for some
People have varying degrees of focus, which means that some people are more prone to being distracted. If you allow pets into your office, some of your team may be distracted by their presence.
Pro: Less workplace stress
It is proven that pets are excellent for producing stress. Therefore, allowing your staff to bring their pets to work can help to reduce the stress levels of your workplace. Whether it’s peace of mind knowing animals aren’t being left alone, having a pet or cuddle on a tough day, or a short break for a walk, there are plenty of ways that the presence of pets can help to reduce stress.
Con: Allergy Risk
Allergies are just part of everyday life for some people – whether it’s hay fever, nuts, or even pets. If a few members of your staff are allergic to certain animals, this will present a barrier to having pets in your workplace.
Pro: Better work-life balance
Allowing your staff to bring their pets to work can help them to get a better work-life balance. For example, they no longer need to worry about them leaving them at home for extended periods. They are able to feed them, give them any medication they may need, and take them for walks and exercise.
Con: Hygiene challenges
It’s no secret that pets are messy, which can present a hygiene risk for your office. To combat this, we recommend getting the help of a London facilities management company that can oversee your cleaning needs and remove any bacteria that may pose a risk to your staff.
Pro: Attractive to new talent
Today’s job market is more competitive than ever, which means that you need to be creative when it comes to attracting new talent. Allowing pets into the office is a small gesture, but it could be the factor that swings a decision in your favour.
Final Thoughts
When deciding whether to allow pets into your office, make sure to consider the points in this list!
