How to feel a box of fluffies at work
Bosses who want a more engaged, productive and healthy workforce have been told to let staff bring their four-legged friends to work.
The Mental Health Foundation is backing a campaign to get more pets into New Zealand workplaces because of the health benefits animal companionship brings.
Chief executive Shaun Robinson said the foundation supports calls by pet food company Purina for more organisations to become pet-friendly as studies showed having pets in the office reduced workers’ stress and increased productivity.
“People who work in offices with pets also report finding their colleagues friendlier and more approachable.”
According to a survey conducted by Purina last year, 69 per cent of 1776 Kiwi workers who worked in petfriendly offices said pets had a positive impact on their workplace.
But spokeswoman Jennifer Chappell said the company wants more businesses to let pets in. “Having pets at work helps us to relax, laugh more and get fresh air during the day. Pets and people are better together, including in the workplace.”
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University academics in 2012 found employees of a manufacturing company who brought dogs to work had lower levels of stress hormones in their saliva during the day than owners who left their dogs at home and those who didn’t have pets.
SPCA Auckland branch chief executive Andrea Midgen said pets also benefited from coming to work with their owners. “They enjoy interacting with other animals and other people. It stimulates them from a brain perspective so they’re not feeling bored or irritated.”
Mandy Jacobsen, director of Auckland-based modelling agency Red 11, brings her lhasa apso-bichon cross Harry to work with her.
Having Harry in the office was calming for Red 11’s staff and clients.
“If you ensure there is food, water, a place to sleep and regular breaks outside there is truly no downside.”