With return-to-office mandates sounding like the prodding beat of a drum, many companies are looking for ways to entice their employees to enjoy the office environment. Although the office can never truly feel like home, implementing a pet policy for the workplace can help to bridge the gap. Pet-friendly offices can improve employee morale and even increase productivity. With these pros and cons, you can understand the benefits of a pet-friendly office and how it might work within your business.

Pros

Bringing pets to the office can make your entire workflow better. From productivity to positive workplace culture, allowing employees to spend time with their pets can make a real difference.

Positive workplace vibe

At present, employees expect to work for companies with a positive workplace culture, and a pet policy can help to establish it. Workers do better in an environment where they feel like they are respected as multifaceted humans, not just generators of productivity. Allowing employees to bring pets, within certain parameters, shows them that they can enmesh their lives with their career goals.

Collaboration

Pets are the ultimate icebreakers, which can facilitate effective collaboration. People who freeze up when asked to speak to others on the team might have no trouble asking about or talking to pets. An opportunity to get to know the members of the team at a more personal level can make it easier for everyone to work together. When it comes time to collaborating on projects, this positive relationship yields ongoing benefits.

Improved work-life balance

Work-life balance is a key component of employee well-being, and allowing workers to bring pets to the office can help to maintain that ideal balance. About two in three households have pets, which create responsibilities like feeding, watering and enrichment. People who can bring their pets to work can take short breaks to attend to their pets’ needs, giving them a greater sense of accomplishment from the day.

Cons

Pets at work, however, are not always a boon. Pay attention to these possible disadvantages, so you can plan.

Unpredictable behavior

Pets do not always behave in a predictable manner even if employees have had them for a long time and believe they know what to expect. Younger or excitable pets may create distractions for other workers by making noises or running around the office. These concerns highlight the importance of a robust pet policy with regular enforcement. Clear policies help employees to understand the conditions under which their pets can be allowed to stay in the office.

Allergies and other health concerns

Some people have serious allergies to certain kinds of pets, and pets in the office can also create other health concerns. Before implementing a pet policy, employers should consult their employees about allergies and other worries about having animals in the office space. Even without allergy concerns, the pet policy should require that employees provide proof of regular veterinary care and good health for the pet. Veterinary professionals can utilize internal medicine specialists to assess a pet’s overall health. Their expertise helps ensure that all pets permitted in the workplace meet the necessary health and behavior standards, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone.

Liability

Maintaining pets in the office increases potential liability for the organization, and you may need to consider your company’s insurance requirements. Animals and birds may bite or attack other employees. Talk to your insurer about options to cover liability from these possible incidents or ask employees to sign a waiver exempting the company from liability. Ideally, a pet policy with clear guidelines about pet behavior will prevent most of these incidents, but you should have a plan for them.

Implementing a pet policy can be a great way to make your employees feel happier at the office, while providing opportunities for true collaboration. Pets raise the mood of a space especially with the right policies and procedures in place. By considering these factors, you can determine if a pet-friendly office will work for your company.

Author bio: Dr. Christopher F. Paige, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), is the Chief Medical Officer and Founder of AxisVet. He is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist with more than 12 years of experience, offering specialized cardiology services in Arizona. Dr. Paige has a diverse background in veterinary medicine, research, and medical device consulting, and he remains dedicated to advancing care for animals through AxisVet.