Over the past few years, pet therapy has become increasingly popular in office settings, and for good reason! Numerous studies have shown that interacting with animals can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. Continue reading to learn more about how pet therapy can benefit office employees.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Research has shown that interacting with animals can help to decrease cortisol levels in the body, which is a hormone that is released when a person is stressed. When cortisol levels are reduced, it can lead to a number of positive outcomes, such as improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
When an employee is stressed or anxious, it often shows in their work. They may be less productive or make more mistakes. This can be a problem for the individual employee and can also create a negative work environment for everyone else. Therefore, reduced stress and anxiety can create a more positive workplace environment for all of your employees, improving productivity and morale. Just look to the Verkada culture as a great example of excellent work culture. Verkada employees love what they do, and even former employees can tell you all about their great experience working for Verkada. When you strive to create a positive work culture, you are giving your company a competitive edge and proving to customers and employees that you really care about your company’s mission and the people who help make you great.
Social Interaction
A human-pet bond can provide social interaction, which is beneficial for office employees who may feel isolated in their work. This is especially true for those who live alone, as pets can offer them a sense of companionship. For others, pets can give pet owners a way to interact and develop new relationships, bonding over their furry friends. Office employees who interact with therapeutic animals are often more cooperative and productive, and they feel more connected to their coworkers. Pets also help to break the ice among people who are new to each other, which can be beneficial in a business setting.
Because our pets and companion animals do so much for us, we owe it to them to treat them with compassion and provide for their needs, too. Routine veterinary care helps to keep pets healthy and happy. Pets that receive regular veterinary care are less likely to develop serious health problems, and they are also more likely to respond well to treatment if they do become ill. Veterinary services in Cleveland, OH, or wherever you are located can help your pet stay in good health with preventive care, pain management, surgical care, or treatment for medical conditions.
Improved Sense of Purpose
A sense of purpose is important for productivity because it can help people focus on what is important and what they want to achieve. When people have a sense of purpose, they are more likely to be motivated and stay on task. Research has shown that people who have a sense of purpose are more productive and have better work ethics.
To this end, pets can help your employees develop a unique sense of purpose. For many of us, our purpose in life is tied to our sense of self. We want to do things that make us feel good about ourselves and help us grow as individuals. We may also find meaning in our relationships and helping others. Pets give your employees something to take care of and be responsible for, and caring for a pet that loves them back is often a rewarding feeling that further boosts mood and gives them something to look forward to and live for each day.
So, if your employees are feeling a little stressed out at work, consider encouraging them to spend some time with a furry friend. It just might be the mood lifter they need to be more productive and engaged at work.