Walk(ies)! A Training Path to a Productive Pet-Friendly Workplace
As you know, we’re all about empowering the deskless workforce by developing a precise training path here at Enabley, but let’s be honest our favorite kind of “deskless” worker? Dogs! Whether they’re boosting morale, reducing stress, or simply curling up by our desks, pets bring undeniable benefits to the workplace.
In recent years, the inclusion of pets in the workplace has gained significant attention, proving to be a practice that enhances employees’ quality of life and fosters a more positive organizational culture.
The pet-friendly movement has been especially growing in Brazil. In 2021, a study by ABINPET (Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry) revealed that around 20% of companies in Brazil had already adopted a training path allowing pets in the workplace. While these numbers may vary, the trend toward pet-friendly offices is clearly on the rise.
Not just mood-enhancers
While many dogs lounge around the office enjoying belly rubs, some take their deskless work and training path more seriously! Beyond keeping employees happy, dogs are also incredible workers themselves! From guide dogs and therapy animals to security K9s and herding dogs, they, too, are part of the hardworking, deskless world.
There are numerous studies that highlight the positive impact that pets make on the workplace. Research from Virginia Commonwealth University found that having pets in the office reduced employee stress levels by up to 11% during high-pressure tasks. Allowing a dog as a partner in high-stress situations, like search and rescue or other services greatly reduces those stress levels even further.
Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Personnel Psychology indicated that pet-friendly environments could improve workplace interactions and collaboration by as much as 30% while reducing stress around the onboarding training path!
People who bring their pets to work, or who manage dogs in a work environment, experience moments of connection and joy that break up the routine and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Simply petting a dog or playing with a cat releases endorphins, boosting happiness and reducing stress. This dynamic contributes to a work environment where people feel more comfortable, motivated, and ultimately, more productive.
Strengthening Workplace Collaboration and the Training Path
Being pet-friendly isn’t just about allowing dogs in the office, it’s about embracing their capabilities, like any other colleague. While they may not be able to directly operate online learning platforms themselves, many dog trainers and handlers may appreciate being able to check for training content and manuals wherever they are and whenever they need them. A mobile learning platform, like Enabley, complete with videos, simulations, and training literature can create an easy learning environment and training path for these deskless workers, offering them all the information they need at their fingertips.
For a modern working environment, creating an environment where people (and their furry friends) feel at home leads to a more innovative, creative, and successful business approach. When companies are always looking for a way to balance mental health and well-being, encouraging and training our important front-line, deskless workers, even when they’re four-legged, can make a world of difference.
Investing in the well-being of your employees and the company as a whole, whether through proper training or structured support, ensures they stay motivated, effective, and ready to tackle the challenges of their roles.
As more companies embrace pet-friendly policies, they’ll unlock the countless benefits of a happier, more connected workforce. And as for our favorite deskless workers? They’ll continue proving that sometimes, the best colleagues have four legs and a wagging tail.