AVOIDING POTENTIAL CHAOS

One of the main issues that’s stopping companies from transitioning to a more progressive and pet-friendly workplace is the chaos. Things like poop, barking, destruction of company property, and maintenance could become a total nightmare for everyone involved if the

parties involved are not equipped to handle these issues properly.

Here are a few tips for this transition to happen smoothly.

SET BOUNDARIES

Limit areas within the office where animals are allowed.

For example, the company kitchen, bathrooms, and conference rooms can all strictly be pet-free zones.

PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE OFFICE STRUCTURE

Employers should support the new pet-friendly rule by creating changes in the office. For instance, they can give complimentary treats to animals, encourage team building activities along with animal companions, sponsor a group training session, and many more.

PROPER SOCIALIZATION OF ANIMALS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED

Employees should at the very least ensure that their animal companions are properly socialized with both humans and other animals before bringing them to the workplace.

An animal who has not been socialized will experience when meeting strangers, and they might growl, bark, hiss, pee, and exhibit anxious and threatened behavior. Not only is this going to disrupt office work, but it will also give the animal undue stress!

ESTABLISH RULES FOR CLEANING AND CARE

The humans of any animals brought to work should be responsible to clean up after their furry friends. Although there are workarounds, they might also be held liable for any equipment damage, so it’s best for everyone to agree on who’s responsible in case this happens.

CONSIDER EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

Let’s face it: Not everyone is comfortable around animals. It’s important to provide an alternate space for those who are allergic or prefer not to have animals around them.

DETERMINE WHICH ANIMALS SHOULDN’T COME TO THE OFFICE

Although Dogs, Cats, Birds, and some other mammals could adapt quickly, animals like reptiles should be left at home, because constant traveling can actually do more harm than good.

The stress they’re under whenever they travel everyday to work with their humans might lead to the deterioration of their health. Many of these animals prefer isolation and familiarity instead of a high-energy environment.

Animal-friendly workplaces here in the Philippines are still uncommon, but with more progressive leadership, more businesses are expected to be open to change. Let’s

cros our fingers and hope that these modern office practices catch on.