Today's business culture increasingly supports pet-friendly workplaces. Many large companies allow their employees to bring their pets to work, including Google, Amazon, Ben & Jerry's, and Etsy.
The percentage of pet-friendly workplaces is even higher in pet-related businesses. Pets in the workplace have many benefits, but they can also present a variety of interpersonal and legal issues.
Studies have shown that employees feel more relaxed and comfortable when they have pets at work. Employee satisfaction and morale can be improved by a pet-friendly workplace. It is also a great vehicle for fostering a sense of teamwork and communication to have pets as a point of common interest.
In addition to allowing pet owners to bring their animals to work, this also provides significant financial benefits -- pet owners do not need to pay for doggie daycare or dog walking services if they work long hours or commute a considerable distance each day.
Employees with pets may find this a valuable perk since daycare and walking can be quite expensive.
The perception of a business can be improved by allowing pets in the office. A pet-interaction opportunity can help customers relax and enjoy their visit to a business when they are offered the chance to interact with an employee's pet.
A pet in the office can also soften the company's image and make it seem more progressive and forward-thinking.
It can be a great recruiting tool for potential hires and a great retention tool for long-term employees when pets are allowed in the office.
Employers that are pet-friendly tend to have employees who work long hours and have fewer absences. Pet owners don't have to worry about rushing home to let out the dog or watching a sick animal.