Pets in the Workplace

15 May 2018 |
 Blog

Company culture is an important aspect to consider when choosing where to spend a forty-hour work-week. One unique benefit to working at Submaterial is the ability to bring pets to the studio on a regular basis. Often times, people want a dog but are concerned about leaving a new pet at home for extended hours. With the freedom to bring them to work, some employees have since adopted their own dogs. Our pups are fun to have around the studio with us, but they also provide a handful of health benefits.

Pets in the Workplace

Decreased Stress

In addition to the obvious benefits for dogs, (socialization with humans and learning to get along with other canines), having pets at work is also good for us.  According to Harvard Medical School, those with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure than those who do not. Multiple studies show that just the act of petting a dog lowers blood pressure. Being around dogs throughout the day can help minimize the potential increase of stress and anxiety levels, as they have a “calming effect on humans.”

“The findings showed that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels — all of which can ultimately minimize their risk for having a heart attack down the road.”

Pets in the Workplace

Positive Interactions

According to the US National Library of Medicine, positive interactions with our pets will influence how we treat one another. In most cases, our dogs get along well, which can translate to a more agreeable and uplifted staff. Our moods are known to feed off the energy around us, and we definitely feel the difference of having our happy-go-lucky pets in the studio!

Pets in the Workplace

Increased Vitamin D

Like most people, we find it hard to get outdoors during the week. Our bodies benefit from natural light and small amounts of direct sunlight each day, which we’re more likely to get if we take our dogs outside. Between taking them outside to relieve themselves and going for walks, we are more likely to hit the recommended 5-15 minutes of sun each day. Healthline suggests that sunlight increases serotonin, a hormone known to increase mood. Small amounts of sun can also strengthen bones, minimize risk of cancer, cure eczema, and even help with acne.

Although there are many practical reasons to have pets around, the real reason we encourage pets in the workplace is that we love them. They bring joy and playfulness to our team and we’d want them with us even without the proven health benefits.

Read about our wool felt dog toys here