Bringing Pets to Work: The Pros and Cons

Bringing pets to the workplace has become common for many in the United States since many employers already allow it. The sight of a dog or a cat beside your workstation or near your desk is a relaxing one for many.

But this does not apply for all since there are also people who do not want to have their pets in the workplace. Business.com said some coworkers may not like tagging along pets at their place of work. Here are some pros and cons of pets in the workplace.

PROS

* Business.com mentioned that having furry friends at the office improves work-life balance and reduces stress among employees. It noted that big companies like Zynga and Google encourage their workers to bring their pets to the workplace every day.

* The same report also noted that pets allow employees to bond and do good at work. "Having dogs in the office contributes to the 'family' feel that this company has, and it also raises the cuteness quotient considerably," said Katie Papa, a supervising producer at the Los Angeles-based Pie Town Productions.

* According to Inc., when North Carolina dinnerware retailer Replacements allowed pets in the workplace, employees became more productive and had a positive outlook with their tasks. "If you are in a position where something is stressful, seeing that wagging tail and puppy smile brightens the day--it can turn around the whole environment," said the company's public relations manager Lisa Conklin.

* Inc. also noted that pets provide employees time to exercise since they need to be walked. "We work long days and long hours," Human Movement customer service representative Jen Chappell said. "Having dogs around the office makes it fun, and makes us get out of the office and exercise."

CONS

* Bringing pets to work, as per Business.com, could be bad for employees who have allergies or those who fear animals. They can feel unsafe inside the workplace.

* Fast Company added that they can also be a distraction to employees since they need to be fed and walked. It could eat up one's time for doing specific tasks or bonding with other employees.

* Business.com also claimed that dogs and cats may not be a perfect fit in some areas in the workplace like the pantry, cafe or supplies room. They can shed their hair or ask for food from other employees.