For a very long time, researchers and experts on animal behavior know that pets can be a positive thing in the workplace.
Researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study in 2012 and found that employees at a retail business had a higher job satisfaction rate than other companies after bringing pets in the workplace. They also have lower stress levels throughout the day. 50% of the employees who brought their dogs to work said their animal companions were vital to their productivity.
Sandra B. Barker, a professor of psychiatry in the VCU School of Medicine, said that this would entirely depend on your pet’ temperament and your own feelings towards you companion.
“If you have a cat who wants attention and is constantly jumping on your keyboard, that might be more of an aggravation and frustration,” Barker said. “On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a more stressful issue and you have purring cat on your lap, that could be very calming.”
On the other hand, other studies suggest that having pets helps you better when it comes to stressful situations. Experts also say they can keep you active, which is very important for your mental health especially during self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dog owners are individuals who typically walk more and exercise more, and we know these are good things for our health,” Barker said. “And if we’re healthy, then we’re obviously going to perform better work-wise.”
Barker avised pet owners to take advantage of this time to bond more with your pets. For those who does not have any animal companions, now might be the right time to adopt one as many shelters are seeking help for people to foster their rescued animals now that many cities across the world are under lockdown or community quarantine.
