Working From Home? The Benefits Of A Pet-Friendly Home Office

People’s pets are often their best friends, so working from home with your pet can be a rewarding experience for both parties. Having them with you allows you to avoid leaving them home alone and to enjoy each other's company. However, pets can sometimes be a distraction, so having tips to keep your home office pet-friendly may be helpful. Below, explore the benefits of pets at home and how to create a pet-friendly workplace.

The impact of working from home

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people working from home has significantly increased. For businesses, the benefits of remote work include reduced office space costs, access to a broader range of talent, and a more diverse workforce. Research has also shown that working from home improves employee well-being and productivity. Therefore, home offices are becoming more popular.

How can a pet help your work environment?

When you bring a pet into your home, it becomes a part of your family. You may form an intimate relationship with them based on unconditional love, emotional connection, and friendship. Studies have found that for many people, pets incite a sense of security, comfort, and emotional support, further reducing negative feelings such as anxiety and depression. While much research has looked at how pets make people feel good, more studies are examining how they may improve work productivity. 

Boost your quality of life

The presence of dogs in your home can foster positive feelings. Studies also show that dog owners working from home have a higher perceived quality of life than those not working from home. Since there is a relationship between owner-pet closeness and quality of life, corporations could support worker morale by allowing them to work in the vicinity of their dog. 

Enhance productivity

The above study suggests that people who own pets report higher levels of work performance than those who do not. Below are some ways pets can improve work productivity: 

• Stress relief: Pets may alleviate stress and loneliness, especially when you’re not interacting with people face-to-face. One pet therapy study shows that pet exposure significantly reduces stress and anxiety.
• Social interaction: Pets, especially dogs, can facilitate social interactions with other dog walkers and owners, especially during breaks.
• Physical health: Taking your pet for a walk can enhance your physical health and allow you to breathe fresh air. People who own pets engage in more physical activity than non-pet owners.
• Creativity: Like Archimedes in the bathtub, sometimes your best ideas can come when taking a break and noticing your pets' unpredictable behavior.

Potential challenges of working from home

Working from home isn’t always easy, and challenges can often arise. Distractions such as household chores or your favorite show can stop you from completing work on time. In addition, working in the office frequently comforts people, providing a sense of community. Pets (primarily dogs) can also add to existing distractions by barking or trying to get your attention. Therefore, setting boundaries and creating a conducive work environment may be helpful for pet owners.

How to create a pet-friendly home office

An organized and comfortable space can make working from home a little easier. A clutter-free space creates a conducive atmosphere to work and makes your home space look professional, which may be helpful for Zoom meetings. While pets are often full of character and energy, which can boost your mood and productivity, they may unknowingly disrupt your workspace. Creating a pet-friendly workspace with light rules can improve work productivity, stress, and well-being. It may even stop your cat, hamster, or dog from disrupting a weekly meeting. Below are a few steps you can take to make your office pet friendly.

Step one: Create a designated pet area

The first step to creating a pet-friendly home office is to ensure your pet has a place to spend time, which can also benefit them. Having their own space can give them a sense of comfort and belonging in your office. This option can be especially beneficial for pets with separation anxiety, helping them relieve anxiety. For more independent pets, leaving the door slightly ajar may give them a sense of freedom.

Prioritize safety in a pet-friendly home office

Ensuring your pet is safe can stop you from worrying while working. Consider whether loose cords, small office supplies such as paper clips, toxic plants, unsecured cabinets, and cleaning products are present. Keeping the home office safe and tidy can be important for your and your pets' health and happiness.

Make your office cat- and dog-friendly

Dogs and cats are two of the most popular household animals. They can also be the most demanding of your attention, so taking a closer look at how to integrate them into your home office can be helpful. You may have to get creative if you have a smaller office space. In addition, make sure they have access to water and food when necessary. Below are a couple of suggestions for these types of pets: 

• Cats: Cushioned window perches so they can stalk the neighbors, cat scratches, cocooned style beds, and wall cat climbers for exercise and entertainment
• Dogs: Enrichment toys that stimulate their senses, a comfortable bed that's suitable for their size, and access to a safe outdoor area when they need to go to the bathroom or stretch their legs

Step two: Adapt to your pet's needs

Adapting your work schedule to your pet's needs may encourage a sense of harmony and routine in your and your pet's lives. For example, dogs may naturally feel safe and secure if they know what to expect during the average workday. A routine may also stop them from going to the bathroom indoors and could benefit your mental and physical health. 

Research shows that healthy individuals engage in routine behaviors on a daily basis, so adapting your routine to your pet's needs can support you both. Needs also vary depending on your pet. While hamsters can exercise on their hamster wheel, cats may prefer an environment where they can climb, and dogs need you to physically take them for walks daily. 

Engage with your pets outside your work environment

One key benefit of having a pet is that it allows you to exercise and play together. Exercise may involve engaging your cat with toys or jogging with your dog. These breaks can also be ample opportunities to take time away from work. Research shows that rest breaks improve well-being and curb fatigue in performance-demand environments. Therefore, taking time off with your pet can boost work performance. Dog walking meets your dog's physical needs while boosting your well-being.

Dog-friendly online therapy

Another activity you can engage in from the comfort of your pet-friendly home office is online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. In this way, you can care for your health and well-being daily. Plus, your pets are welcome in counseling and therapy sessions. Online therapy is a flexible and affordable option for those seeking mental health guidance and support. It enables you to stay home with your pet (reaping the mental health benefits) while being supported by a professional. This convenience may make attending sessions more manageable. 

Online mental health professionals can provide you with techniques and strategies to foster well-being. You can meet therapists trained to provide modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) online. In addition, research shows that online therapy can relieve mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression.