Pet Insurance Australia is an avid supporter of Take Your Dog to Work Day and is encouraging all workplaces to consider becoming Pet Friendly.

“Allowing pets into the workplace has a whole host of positive knock-on effects,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “They really do make the Office environment a wonderful place to be and can help reduce stress and improve the general atmosphere in a workplace.”

Scientists and researchers have known for years that employees are less-stressed, relaxed and even more trusting after interacting with a dog. The real-life benefits of having a companion animal grace the boardroom is currently playing out in many businesses across Australia.

“We certainly notice the difference when we have pets around the office,” Crighton says. “It really does lighten the mood and bring an endless point of conversation and happiness.”

Having a pet in the office has also been shown to boost creativity while also allowing employees to have a much-needed mental break throughout the day.

“These breaks allow the team to function on a much higher level of productivity and can really help with mental and tiresome blocks,” Crighton says.

Sarah Heagen takes her eight-year-old Jack Russell, Harry, along to work three to four times per week. He’s become a regular at board meetings and is certainly a welcome addition to the workplace. This is not only great for other employees it’s also allowed Harry to become a more settled dog.

“Harry is a rescue dog who was previously abused and spent a number of years in a shelter waiting for his home,” Sarah explains. “He was very very timid when I first adopted him, and coming into the office has been a big part of his rehabilitation and learning to trust people again. He never leaves my side and has is often referred to as my ‘shadow’ in the office.”

Sarah loves the fact her office allows pets and encourages other workplaces to give it a go!

“It isn’t as hard as you think – and it can always be trialled,” she smiles “It will have such a great impact on your office culture! You just need lay some ground rules to ensure everyone is responsible – things that should be covered is how often people can bring their pet and how they will clean up (occasional) accidents.”

Pet Friendly Workplace Benefits

• Reduction in stress
• Lightens the mood
• Mental breaks for employees
• Increase in productivity
• Enhanced workplace morale
• Creative energy boost
• Improves the general mood in the office
• Increase job satisfaction
• Improved team co-operation
• Provides comfort and happiness

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