We understand that many employees want to bring their pets with them to work. Allowing this has the potential to boost morale, provide opportunities for connection among colleagues and help employers recruit and retain employees. However, it is important to take precautions before moving forward with implementing a pet-friendly policy to ensure the wellbeing of both the human and animal co-workers.
Assessing interest & addressing potential issues
The first step should be to assess the level of interest from your employees in bringing their pets to work. A quick one-question survey can be sent out to gauge interest and gather any concerns from those without pets. Collecting feedback like this will give an understanding of who may have allergies, phobias or other issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, check with the landlord for permission and consult with insurance agents to add any special rider policies.
Determining pet types & limitations
Once the initial groundwork is taken care of, decide on what types of pets you will allow in the workplace. Popular choices are cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, birds and fish, but lizards and other small animals should also be considered. It’s important to make sure these decisions are made thoughtfully and considerately while also taking into account safety and cleanliness.
Safety & cleanliness
When developing guidelines, it’s essential to think about safety and cleanliness. Pet owners must be responsible for their pet’s behavior and actions, especially when it comes to the safety of others. Pets must remain leashed or caged at all times and no aggressive behavior is tolerated. Additionally, pets must be housebroken and owners should have supplies to promptly clean up after their pet if needed. Regularly scheduled deep cleanings should also be a part of the plan.
Finding pet-friendly plants
If you are thinking of adding some greenery to the workspace, it’s important to pick plants that are non-toxic to your furry friends. There are plenty of options available, ranging from lush tall plants to tiny succulents. Consider bundling several plants together or even signing up for a subscription service like for pet-friendly plants. These monthly subscriptions are the perfect way to surprise yourself and your furry friend with something new.
Foster a pet-friendly environment will lead to countless positive experiences for both human and animal co-workers. In 2023, businesses should start seeing the benefits of having pet-friendly workspaces with employees feeling more connected and engaged.
