Are You Having a Ruff Day at Work? Don’t Fur-Get the Benefits of Pet-Friendly Work Environments

Presenter: Ahmed Radwan

Session Description:

There are many reported benefits to owning and raising pets. This may include physical, social, and mental health benefits. Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in pet-friendly office working environments and the accompanying policies that control the process of bringing pets to work. However, little is truly known about the evidence behind pet-friendly work environments and the true health/work-related values they enhance.

This presentation will explore the findings of a recent systematic review, conducted by the same author, examining the health and workplace-related outcomes associated with pet-friendly office environments. The review revealed statistically significant improvements in physical, mental, and social well-being among employees working in such settings, whether in-office or remote. Highlights include increased physical activity, reduced physiological stress, improved psychological well-being and life satisfaction, and stronger organizational engagement and support.

In addition to sharing the evidence, this session will discuss the importance of implementing clear, structured pet-friendly workplace policies to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all employees.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key physical, mental, and social health benefits associated with pet-friendly work environments.

2. Describe how pets can influence workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and team dynamics.

3. Share the experience of the College of Health Professions (CHP) in implementing some pet-friendly environments.

3. Evaluate the potential challenges and considerations when implementing a pet-friendly workplace policy.

4. Formulate recommendations for integrating pets into office environments in a way that promotes inclusivity, safety, and well-being for all staff.

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