- April 16, 2024
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Does your dentist have an aquarium of fish in the exam room? Many do and it’s not just for decoration. It’s a way to encourage a feeling of calmness in what is a stressful situation for most of us.
It is not uncommon to find pets in the workplace, a dog behind the counter, a cat curled up on a shelf, or a bird at the entrance to a restaurant. All designed to calm and entertain the owners, workers and patrons while they wait for their table. I dined at one restaurant that had clear tubes winding around the ceiling with fish. I can’t tell you how long our order took so I would say that distraction worked!
Many employers recognize that pets can actually increase productivity in the office. A study by Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 concluded that employees who bring their dogs to work produced lower levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol and their performance quality increased.
Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites animal experts who report that pets can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as increase opportunities for exercise and socialization.
When was the last time you were so focused on your work you forgot to break for lunch or just get up and stretch? Doctors know that sitting in one position for extended periods of time is bad on the joints and the eyes and can cause medical issues.
Having a pet around, especially a dog, is going to require you to get up and step outside. I find that a short break, especially outside, can rejuvenate me better than a cup of coffee.
Not surprisingly one of the leaders in “bring your pet to work” is Nestle Purina, who, 17-years ago encouraged their workers to share an office with their pet.
