Pets at work: pet-friendly offices come to the Principality
This space redefines the way of seeing the reconciliation between work and personal life Bringing animals to the office increases creativity and productivity and also reduces stress and anxiety
In a world in which we increasingly focus on well-being and quality of life, pet-friendly offices are presented as an innovative solution for those who have animals and wish to share the working day with their pets. This concept, which has gained strength in places such as the United States, Great Britain or Australia, is beginning to spread to other parts of the world, such as Spain, France or even Andorra.
In Andorra Hive Five Coworking Andorra (BOMOSA) have already launched this project and as explained by its director, Martí Batalla, «animalist values are part of our DNA at the will of our president, Turi Mora».
Batalla emphasizes that at the moment they have not had any problems in the office, since they work in a large space and if there is a worker who does not feel well with the presence of an animal, they can easily relocate him. What they have observed from the management is that «the people who come with their dog are very aware of what it means to work in a shared space and the coexistence is perfect». The workers emphasize that spending working hours with their pet gives them «more productivity, in addition to the advantage that the dog is not left alone at home». Animal reconciliation is «a growing trend that will become more common in a few years, especially in the field of office work that is not directly facing the public», explains Batalla. And he adds that «for the workers, it is also an improvement in the organization of their day, since this way they do not have to return home at lunch time in case they live far from their place of work or it is easier for them to take him to the vet after the working day, to give two examples». The implementation of pet-friendly work environments presents a series of benefits for both employe
es and the company. According to a study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, the presence of pets at work has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure in employees and people close to them, contributing to a more relaxed work environment. In addition, the introduction of pets to the office can cultivate a more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, promoting camaraderie among colleagues and facilitating more open and collaborative communication. This positive environment, at the same time, boosts creativity, productivity and increases the success of teamwork.
Animal reconciliation does not only have benefits for people, since above all it prevents pets from spending long hours alone and this fact has a direct impact on their quality of life and well-being by being accompanied and cared for during the working day by their owners. Which causes the animal’s mood to improve and to be much happier with other people and animals around.
DIRECTOR OF ANDORRA HIVE FIVE COWORKING «For workers, it’s an improvement in the organization of their day, since they don’t have to go home at lunchtime»