The highest executive body of the European Union is considering allowing its officials and deputies to bring their dogs, cats, and other animals to work with them. If the initiative is approved, it will be the first institution in the Union to allow pets in the workplace.
Benefits of Pets in the Workplace
While there are very few studies on the benefits of pets in the workplace, research suggests that animals can reduce anxiety, boost employee motivation and have a positive effect on health. Contact with pets can promote mental and physical well-being, which is particularly important in stressful and high-pressure work environments.
The proposal to allow pets in the European Commission is part of a broader trend of pet-friendly workplaces that has been gaining momentum over the past decade. In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), only 7% of employers currently allow pets in the workplace. However, this figure is increasing, with more and more companies recognizing the benefits of pet-friendly policies. In 2023, a new trend emerged with dog-centric real estate, as offices, hotels, and pet owners remodel buildings to make them more comfortable for pets.
Examples of Pet-Friendly Companies
The trend of pet-friendly workplaces has been growing in recent years, with many leading companies adopting the practice. Some of the world’s leading companies have already adopted pet-friendly policies, including Uber Technologies, Amazon, and Google. In 2019, Mars, one of the first companies to introduce pet-friendly offices in the early 2000s, opened a new headquarters in Franklin that was specifically designed for pet owners. The facility includes over 24 hectares of green space, indoor playgrounds for dogs, and a park with Wi-Fi for walks. The office areas are open, well-lit, and spacious, with automated feeders and pet-safe furniture upholstery.
Allowing pets in the workplace can have a positive impact on employee well-being. As more and more companies embrace the trend, the pet-friendly movement is likely to continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.
