It’s one thing to carry out numerous interviews and another to achieve recruitment success – especially when we talk about the kind of job that’s desirable for the long-term. Because today’s workforce is nothing like many businesses have gotten used to, many existing organisations need to start thinking outside the box when it comes to attracting and retaining workforces. And that should start with how the office feels.

Disclaimer: this post is a collaboration

Job applicants can often tell from the very first minutes they enter an office if it is relaxed, authentic, welcoming – or if it’s a place they’d rather not spend eight hours in. Those initial moments can shape the course of interaction and the applicant’s willingness to close a deal. Aware business owners are opening up to the pet-friendly workplace culture and welcoming pets in their space – think employee pets, or adoptions. A change as small as adopting a cat can instantly make a space feel warmer, more inviting, and easier to spend time in.

A pet’s presence encourages physical activity

Physical inactivity is one of the biggest challenges in modern offices and desk jobs – globally, around 1.8BN adults face the consequences of sedentary work, from musculoskeletal problems to reduced overall health. With a dog to walk around – because they’ll need both playtime and walks – similar worries start to fade. Employees can have short and frequent refresh breaks during which time they can connect with each other. They’ll return to their desks recharged and relaxed, ready to take on another task. The day will pass more smoothly when they take breaks from screens. Just as studies stress the risks of lack of physical activity, they also show how something as simple as walking a dog can increase levels of serotonin and oxytocin. 

No doggo in sight? A cat will also get you up and moving – maybe you’re feeling a little blue, in which case you’ll want to pick up that furry ball and borrow some of their energy, getting rid of that mid-day slump.

Getting to work (and back) safely with pets

Having pets at the office can be rewarding, but it also requires planning for your daily commute if you’re going to bring your(s). Employees who walk dogs, carry cats, or even bring smaller animals in carriers need to consider how they’ll travel to work and back with maximum safety. Risks are around – say, you have a peppy dog, then you need to pay extra attention to areas like crosswalks or garages. Depending on the area, your choices can range from private cars and taxis to public transport and ride-hailing services like Bolt’s pet-friendly option. Nevertheless, each comes with its own perks and trade-offs in convenience, comfort, and safety, both for you and your pet.

Commuting with animals creates extra considerations: ensuring pets are safe, avoiding crowded spaces when possible, and allowing time for breaks or outdoor walks. Before determining how you’ll commute, it’s also important to become aware of your rights as a passenger. Accidents can happen, and if you’re in such an unfortunate situation, know you can file a claim if the event was caused by someone’s breached duty of care, and left you affected or injured. All transport operators have the legal obligation to ensure the well-being and safety of their clients and prevent foreseeable harm.

Notably, how you file a claim depends on the type of transport operator – whether it’s a bus, rail service, private taxi, or ride-share platform. Understanding taxi and bus passenger injury claims ensures you know what steps to take if something goes south. The good part? You don’t have to navigate such complex legal matters alone. There are injury claim solicitors ready to examine your case and offer assistance, letting you focus on recovery instead of frustrating red tape, no matter if you’re dealing with a private or state operator.

Real-world examples

More companies globally, like Airbnb, Google, Etsy, Ben & Jerry’s, and so forth, have successfully integrated pets into their culture. Amazon created a dog park for its 8K registered canine companions, while Zogics welcomes pets in meetings. Salesforce hosts pet adoption days in partnership with nearby shelters. Think this is incredible? Mars, Inc. goes the extra mile with dog boarding facilities in certain offices where workers travel regularly. If you think they know something that non-adopters don’t, you’re without a doubt right.

Tech firms, marketing agencies, and startups in particular have embraced pet-friendly policies as they can benefit from relaxed workforces, whether for creativity or problem-solving skill boosts, and cited improvements in employee satisfaction, reduced stress, and more collaborative office dynamics. Some businesses even host “bring your pet to work” days, where employees bond over shared animal care responsibilities, creating social experiences that can’t help but strengthen team cohesion.

Pets – especially beneficial in high-pressure positions

For employees – especially those in high-pressure roles – having a cat curled nearby or a dog roaming around can lower anxiety levels, improve mood, and as a result, promote better problem-solving. Beyond the “cute factor,” pets become informal wellness partners that support both emotional health and cognitive performance throughout the workday. We’re not saying ungrounded facts – a recent study (but there are more) disclosed that more than 8 in 10 HRs endorse the benefits of bringing pets at work.

With the right considerations in mind and rules to abide by, the workspace can suddenly become a more pleasant and productive place to be.

Pet etiquette and office guidelines  

Having pets at work is amazing, but since you’ll still need to be working, this strategy requires clear boundaries to maintain harmony. Offices should establish basic guidelines: make sure pets are vaccinated, well-behaved, and comfortable around colleagues. 

At the same time, it’s important to consider if any colleagues have allergies or fears. Create designated areas for your furry pals, provide water and rest spots, and schedule short “play breaks” to avoid disruptions. Clear communication about pet policies ensures a positive environment for humans and animals alike, and this is what makes the office more inclusive, productive, and stress-free, helping avoid conflicts that could arise from pets roaming freely while unsupervised.

There are many reasons why employee- and future-oriented firms adopt these policies and see improvements in attracting and retaining top talent – and if you have the opportunity to make such a positive change, why would you sleep on it?