The rise of working from home since the COVID-19 pandemic has had plenty of benefits, and some of them are even felt by our pets. Working from your home office, the dinner table, or even your bed, means that your furry friends have got company throughout the day – and you do as well.
But when you are in the office, do you ever see pets there too, perhaps quietly enjoying one of the best long-lasting dog chews next to their parent? BizSpace, which supports small and medium enterprises in the UK with flexible workspace solutions is working with psychologist Dr. Gurpreet Kaur to explain why allowing pets in the office can work wonders for us as workers.
“Interacting with animals is a powerful somatic tool for regulating stress, anxiety, and trauma responses,” explains Dr. Kaur. “Their calming presence helps lower cortisol, boost oxytocin, and promote nervous system regulation, much like nature does. Gentle touch, rhythmic movements, and non-judgmental companionship create a sense of safety, helping individuals shift from fight-or-flight or dissociative states into balance.”
Indeed, research indicates that allowing dogs in the office can improve employee morale and reduce stress levels, while even simply petting a dog can lower levels of cortisol – commonly referred to as the ‘stress hormone’ – here’s how a pet can lower your stress levels.
Taking short breaks to play with or pet a dog can help break up the workload, and a cute pup in the office is a great conversation starter, too, helping strengthen bonds between colleagues.
Sophie Cheeseman, Deputy Art Editor at PetsRadar’s sister publication Horse&Hound, felt the benefits of bringing her whippet, Bluebell, into the office, explaining, “We decided to get a dog when our offices became dog-friendly. I worked Monday and Tuesday in the office and the rest of the week at home so it seemed the perfect setup to get a puppy.
“I absolutely loved taking her in – it meant I had a little friend all day if I sat somewhere new, but it also meant that I had a reason to take regular screen breaks to take her out to the toilet, and encouraged me to out every lunchtime for a walk and some fresh air.”
She describes it as being beneficial for Bluebell, too. With other dogs, new smells, and all sorts of things going on, it helped her learn to settle in busy environments and was great for her socialization.
There can be financial benefits for pet parents, too. Dog parents in the UK can expect to pay at least £650 (around $830) for doggy daycare each month if they work in the office five days a week. Pet-friendly offices and hybrid working arrangements can help them save money.
Do you work from home? If you’re thinking of getting a new furry friend to help keep you company, here are the best dog breeds for remote workers.
