The pros and cons of pets at work - a Poached perspective

They say Britain's a nation of animal lovers. But would you feel ecstatic about having them in your workplace?

Poached Creative's newest recruit is a rescue dog named Fudge. A lovely, gentle and elegant example of a Staffordshire Bull-terrier. How will she fit in with the team - given the compact and open-plan office space?

Well, not wanting to Fudge the issue entirely (groan!) here is a quick look at the positive and negative aspects of pets at work. Six of one and half a dozen of the other:

THE PROS:

(1) A (WO-)MAN'S BEST FRIEND
Fudge and Lucy (her owner) descend from a long tradition of human to animal couplings. Stories known across time and global culture - acknowledging some variation, naturally. Step forward to take a bow wow: Dorothy and Toto, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, Blue Peter and Petra. Working elements to this relationship evolved from necessity. Nomad without camel, shepherd without sheepdog, anybody? Unthinkable.

(2) MAINSTREAM ACCEPTANCE
No longer purely creatures of the wild outdoors or chained howling day and night in the yard, like days of old. Pet animals came in from the cold a long time ago. Now domesticated companions at home and work alike and valued social assets in social terms and many other ways.

(3) IMPROVES TEAM DYNAMICS
Fudge is melting the hearts of most Poachers. The office air full of excitement - and there is no shortage of eager beavers, vying for their turn to go walkies.

Even our most 'undoggy' staff member freely admits that Fudge lifts the collective vibe as smiles break out all over the faces of Poachers.

(4) BENEFITS FOR HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY
Dogs don't hog all the work roles. Other pets are available! Researchers find all types to potentially benefit health and productivity. Cat owners are 30% less likely to suffer heart attack and their purr vibrates at pain-relieving frequencies (Stroke Centre, University of Minnesota, as reported by The Evening Standard)

British Journal of Health Psychology (2007) found humans with pet dogs enjoy numerous health pay-offs. Lower blood pressure, heart disease, cholestrol levels, and fewer minor-to-serious conditions, frankly too many to list here.

A chatty insurance firm receptionist once confided in me that 'actuarists' - statistics eggheads used by the industry - have 'done the math' and arrived at a startling truth. The life expectancy of pet-owners is up to 20yrs longer than the pet-less.

Note to reader - the above is potentially true for a wide variety of pets, in particular 'tactile' types you cuddle, groom and walk. Do not attempt these with your pet goldfish or boa constrictor).

(5) PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING
Pets have the power to deliver us from ourselves! They provide a welcome break from modern culture's frantic promotion of absorption into the 'self' or the digital artifice of 'social networking'. So - if a 'poke' or 'like' on Facebook isn't satisfying you - it could be time to reach out. Stroke a furry animal. Or talk to one. 
It might help to stem the tide of anxiety and depression, lurking below society's shiny surface. Not for nothing are some pets known as a 'source of unconditional love'.

(6) CUTEST KIND OF COMPANY MASCOT
Clients visiting your company can be seduced by pets. A living emblem, that can effectively and effortlessly communicate an organisation's unique personality, sometimes quicker than 'product' or 'service' alone.
This point in no way endorses the use of animals for purely commercial purposes!

THE CONS:

(1) LOVE IS BLIND - AND SOMETIMES DEAF
Animal lovers - beware 'head in the sand' thinking! This risks a disregard for people not inclined to feel affection, or even tolerance, for animals. Situations may turn tricky.

'Non-lovers' can end up feeling like part of a minority at work, set against the 'lovers' and the 'indifferent' (or abstainers!). Distaste is at times based on variables (animal hygiene levels, smells or sounds). Stronger, visceral reactions or aversions are something else. Sensitive navigation by all concerned, or skilful mediation, could provide solutions.

Animal lovers - try to avoid loud statements like "I just do not trust people who dislike animals!". Non-lovers - do resist fixing shocked facial expressions common to finding rotting food at the rear of the fridge, or pigeon crap on your suit. Responsible pet ownership involves patiently educating and navigating people towards a balanced view.


(2) PRICE OF PETS
Pet care costs, such as vet bills, can be very high - especially without pet insurance. Research potential pets. Set a budget prior to purchase. Think about creating 'pet-free zones' at work to accommodate staff/clients who are not animal fans.  And remember, pets are full-time not part-time preoccupations.

(3) DISRUPTIVE INFLUENCE
Expect disruptions and distractions to work flow. Pets can be noisy, unpredictable, attention-seekers. Animal sickness, and eventual death, bring inevitable emotional drama and possibly sap time and energy.

(4) HYGIENE & SAFETY
Pets need special training and facilities (toilet, wash) and will chew all sorts, from office carpets to that non-pet-loving (!) colleague's designer 'it' bag.

(5) ACKNOWLDEGE THE NEGATIVES - ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES
Our most undoggy Poacher reports persevering with a negative resistance of pets. All dogs, from the handbag pooch to the over-excited pitbull left to run off-lead in the park, are a perceived threat to well-being. Viewing sympathetic shows, such as 'Dog Whisperer', 'Dog Borstal' or 'Dog Rehab' can help a little. Time for a spot of DVD shopping!

(6) LOOK FOR THE SOFT LANDING
Disclaimer alert!  Not having any pets of my own - I confess to having a warm animal 'soft spot'. Let's land this argument gently. The happy ending here rests upon the common ground humans share with animals.
Lest we forget, we are all mammals, only we are uniquely equipped to show conscious kindness towards others of our species. Or the rest of the Animal Kingdom.  

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