Pets have been proven to have a significant impact on the lives of their owners. They provide companionship, comfort, and even health benefits such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. However, not many people realize that having a pet can also impact work productivity in a positive way.
As many people continue to work from home, pets have become an even more integral part of our daily routines creating much-needed reminders for mental breaks during the workday. When I first transitioned to working from home, one of the many highlights was the fact that I would get to be home with my two dogs (pictured above with me and my husband). In my more traditional work environment, I could easily get lost in a project for hours at a time, not stopping to get up, not even for a drink! I would completely lose track of time and when I finally broke from the trance, I'd realize how much my body needed a break. Working from home, my pups provide the perfect reminder to break away from work for a moment to take a quick walk around the yard, re-fill my water, and give my eyes a break from staring at my monitor.
According to an article by the University of Southern California, "spending too much time too close to a project, problem, or other work can inhibit productivity and cause unnecessary stress." Need further convincing? Here are some of the ways pets can boost our work productivity.
With global stress levels among workers at a record high, finding ways to increase job satisfaction to ensure employee retention is top of mind for many businesses. Pets can increase job satisfaction by providing a sense of purpose outside of work. Pets can provide their owners with a sense of unconditional love, which can be particularly valuable for people who work in high-stress jobs. When workers are happy and satisfied with their job, they tend to be more productive and motivated. When I find I'm stuck on a project at work, maybe experiencing a creative block, stepping away to snuggle my pups for even just a few minutes can be just the re-set I need to revisit the project with a fresh perspective.
At iuvo, our team is full of animal lovers—and we have a dedicated Slack channel to prove it! The daily pet photos my co-workers share don’t just deliver a heartwarming dose of cuteness; they’re a reminder of the positive impact our pets have on our workdays. In a remote work environment, these little moments of connection also help us feel closer and more connected as a team.
As mentioned in an article by Fortune Well, "productivity and company culture will suffer when work stress impacts employees’ personal lives." Studies have found that simply petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones. When workers are less stressed, they are more focused and efficient in their work. One of my favorite “pup interruptions” during the workday is when one of my dogs gently paws at my leg, asking for a spot on my lap. Snuggling them gives me such a rush of endorphins and is a definite mood booster!
Employees can experience noted improvement in their mental health as pets provide emotional support and companionship. Studies have even found that pet owners have lower rates of depression and anxiety. When workers are mentally healthy, they are better equipped to handle work-related stress and challenges.
Many pets require exercise, which can lead to increased physical activity for their owners. Taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat can help pet owners stay active and healthy. Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, which can lead to increased productivity and better decision-making skills. Research conducted by Stanford University found that creative thinking was increased by 60% from walking!
As I mentioned above, it was common for me to get lost in a project for hours at a time when I didn't work from home. Sitting in the same position for so many hours was so bad for my physical and mental health and yet it was a pattern I kept repeating. Having my pups around is the perfect reminder to get up and move my body. When I take my pups for a quick midday walk, it feels like I’m just meeting their needs. In reality, it’s just as much a break for me as it is for them.
Incorporating pets into our work-from-home routines has benefits that go beyond just having a furry friend by our side. They encourage regular breaks, lower stress levels, and even boost creativity, making them the ultimate productivity partners. Even if you don’t have a pet, you can still apply these principles to create a healthier work-life balance. Set reminders to get up, stretch, take a walk, or simply give your mind a break throughout the day. Whether it’s a wagging tail or an alarm on your phone, these little prompts to pause can make a world of difference for both your well-being and productivity.
So, the next time you’re deep in a project, remember: a quick break (or a furry snuggle) could be just the reset you need!
Company core values also play a major role in overall job satisfaction and productivity. To learn more about our core values, check out this page, or contact us.
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