Meet Henry, a three year old shih tzu, who is the newest member of the Teak Media + Communication team. While everyone at the office is pitching our clients’ positive work, Henry makes his way around the office providing snuggles to all his busy co-workers. He was proudly given the title – Chief Relaxation Officer- and in his short time with the firm, he has done his job.
According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owner Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 68 percent of U.S. households own pets, which is up 56 percent since 1988. Pets have become an intricate part of the family dynamic and the benefits of having them have trickled into the workplace.
As a new employee at Teak, bringing Henry to work has allowed me to bond with my new co-workers and relieved some of the anxiety that comes with starting a new job.
Here are my top 5 reasons on why it’s great to have a pet in the office:
- Forces one to get up and move – As publicists, we are very busy in front of our computer screens – writing, pitching, conducting calls, etc. Having a pet allows you to get up and step away from the computer, get fresh air and rejuvenate.
- Stress reliever – Each year the occupation of a publicist ranks in the top 10 of most stressful jobs, so we need as much stress relieve as possible, right? Having a pet in the office can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress.
- Conversation starters – Pets spark conversation. Their personalities and playfulness can bring a team together, and allow them to connect in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Increases productivity – Having a pet in the office provides one with the opportunity to concentrate on their work and not feel rushed to get home at the end of the day to walk their furry friend.
- Generates workplace happiness – Pets bring happiness to the workplace (as long as you like animals) and if people are happy, it improves workplace retention.
Pets are a great way to bring teams together and create a happy work environment. Just remember to be respectful of your co-workers who may not be fond of animals or allergic to them and make sure your dog is well-behaved and trained before going to the office.
