This awesome policy was initiated by powerful companies, such as Google, Amazon, etc. Simultaneously, other companies followed suit. It has now turned into a debate whether pets, i.e., dogs, cats, and rabbits should be allowed to the workplace. As a pet owner, you might be lavishing on the idea of bringing your best buddy to the workplace. However, there are pros and cons to making your workplace pet-friendly.
Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of pets in the workplace.
Why should a Company become Pet-Friendly?
Every HR should be aware of the positive effects of pets on mental and emotional health. Suppose the company provides its employees with the opportunity of bringing their pets to the workplace. In that case, it will have a good impact on office culture. The presence of pets in the office will help with stress-relief, which can increase employee retention. Also, suppose the employees will be allowed to bring their pets to the office. In that case, it will exhibit the office environment's competitive advantage. Above 60% of the HR, have reported that potential candidates ask about the company’s pet-friendly policy. It is a good idea to consider implementing a comprehensive system that promotes pet-friendliness in the workplace.
Will there be consequences?
If the company allows pets at the workplace, it should be ready to face some inevitable consequences. Without a doubt, pets' presence will provide a friendly work environment while relieving work-related stress simultaneously. On the other hand, pets can cause massive distraction as well. To be honest, who can resist when your workplace is overloaded with cuteness. Also, some employees won’t be as excited as others at the sight of pets at their workplace. The reasons can include that they might be suffering from allergies caused by pets. Therefore, it would be good for HR to have a pet-free space for such employees.
Protecting your Business in Legal Ways
As an HR, if you decide to implement a pet-friendly work policy, you will have to very clear while ensuring that all employees remain legally compliant. Typically, ADA protects service and therapy pets. However, as an HR, it is recommended to create specific and clear guidelines for all pets that lie outside the ADA criteria. Also, for addressing crucial issues, such as those employees who suffer from allergies, your policy needs to include rules and regulations to address these problems and minimize them. Most importantly, the policy ought to have certain kinds of pets that are not allowed at the workplace, such as dogs for stud. Regulations related to animal hygiene practices and guidelines for accommodation ought to be included. The drafting of such a well-structured policy might be complex. You might want a policymaker's assistance in this regard so that challenges can be overcome and a clear policy structured. The importance of having the company legally protected cannot be stressed enough.