Working from home for our online computer repair company I have had the luxury with being with my two dogs throughout the day vs. leaving them all day while I am out at 
work. Throughout the day they make sure to come over and remind me; hey mom we need a potty break or a scratch and hug break. These frequent breaks have helped to relieve some of the daily stressors of online computer repair and owning our own business, not just for me but for my husband as well.
Before we got our first little ball of fluff Bella Doodle, my husband often would become so stressed and frustrated that he would end up walking away from the computer or issue he was having. From day one his extra focus and love for our Doodle cause him to look for her or watch for her as she rolled around with a toy or melt his heart with her coming up to him for love and kisses.
With adoption of our second ball of fluff a Maltese named Isabella we both were so pleased to see them playing and watching the cute funny things they did together. Them being in our office caused us to take more breaks and laugh at the silly little things they do. In addition I believe it is a comfort for not only them but also us as well to be together.
More and more corporate companies are looking for ways to make the work place a more comfortable relaxed environment for their employees and what better way than making them feel more at home and helping them to stay more relaxed and more productive in their work day.
This is why so many corporate work places are realizing that implementing ways for their employees to bring their pets big and small into the office with them can help productivity. Big corporate places like Google, Zynga and Amazon and even the U.S. Congress have already realized the benefits of employees bringing their pets to work with them. Not only does it make their employee more relaxed and help to reduce stress but it also helps that employee to find a common ground with other employees helping to build strong inter office connections. In fact in has been shown that some employees will make it a point to stop by another employee’s desk just to spend time with their pet. Not only offering the benefits to the other employee as well but also helping to build stronger inter office relationships.
In addition, if the animal you bring to work is a dog there are more chances for you to get up and walk around, maybe even take a walk around the block. Research has shown that these breaks and walks help a person not to over think what they are working on and gives them a chance to clear their heads for a while. These kinds of breaks often result in a clearer head and a different approach to a project they may have been road blocked on.
So if you are reading this and wondering why you can’t take your pet to work, why not bring it up to your boss that June 21st is national bring your pet to work day. Just maybe after trial runs you will be able to bring your pet with you on a daily basis. I say it’s worth a try, can’t hurt anything. Just be sure to bring it up a few weeks ahead of time in case your boss needs to make any special arrangements for the special day.
Of course there is a downside to having pets in the work place. Some employees may be allergic to certain pets and may chose to steer clear of an employee who brings a pet in. In addition some employees may have a fear of a certain pet like a dog or cat. This is why many companies who allow their employees to bring their pets to work have special committees who oversee the requirements and tests that these pets must pass in order for the animal to be allowed to be in the office. Often times they must show proof of vet records that show their pet is flea free and up to date on their shots and immunizations. These committees make sure it is safe for your pet to be in the workplace not only for the pet but also their employees.
Article by Heather Deprey
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