Pets in the Workplace
Here at Hire Ventures, we have a pretty eclectic mix of clients! We help everyone, from high-tech corporate start-ups to family-owned donut shops and everything in between. No matter the business, if there are employees, there are sure to be HR needs. With our diverse range of clients and projects, we’re often asked to craft unique and tailored policies. These well-written policies not only help organizations ensure consistent practices and compliance but also set the tone for a positive company culture, which is essential for long-term success.
Specialty Policies: Supporting Culture, Compliance, and Creativity
One of the best parts of what we do is creating specialty workplace policies that reflect the unique culture of our clients. From “Kegerator in the Breakroom” to “Unlimited PTO,” we’ve written some fun ones. But hands down, our favorite is the Dogs in the Workplace policy.
Allowing pets at work supports a healthy work-life balance, fosters a more relaxed work environment, and provides a boost to employee satisfaction and retention. Studies even show that pets in the workplace can lower stress levels and increase collaboration. It’s truly a win-win for employers and employees alike!
(Right photo credit: Ms. Betty & little Gigi, hard at work at Hillman Flooring & Design)
Even if your workplace already allows pets, having a clear Dogs in the Workplace policy in your employee handbook is a smart move. It sets expectations for employees, ensures consistent practices, and protects you as an employer in case of disputes or issues. A well-crafted policy provides clarity and helps managers handle any challenges that might arise.
Key Points When Crafting Animals in the Workplace Policies
- Require that animals must be well socialized, office-ready, and current on all shots and flea preventative meds
- You should give formal (and written) approval. Employees should submit a request to bring their pet to work, along with important info (breed, age, gender, confirmation they got fixed, trained, etc.).
- In the policy, note that the company has the right to refuse certain breeds of dogs or specific pets if they exhibit aggression towards other dogs or humans.
- The company should have the right to limit the animal’s size if needed and how much free roam they have in the office. Restrictions are solely up to you and your preferences!
- If you have employees with pet allergies or fears, there should be pet-free zones to ensure they are not affected (humans should come first).
- Make sure you have management support and proper approvals from the landlord or building manager.
Other considerations:
If you’re adopting a pet-friendly culture, consider offering complementary benefits such as:
- Pet insurance as an employee perk.
- Pet bereavement leave to support employees during difficult times.
- Volunteer days at local animal shelters to align with community outreach
There are lots of ways to show our employees that we care about them, and one is by allowing them to bring their pets to work.
Get Started Today!
Creating a pet-friendly workplace isn’t just a fun idea; it’s an opportunity to enhance your company culture. If you’re ready to adopt this policy, lick here to download the Dogs in the Workplace Policy Template and start making your workplace pet-friendly today!
This post is in honor of Lucy, Teresa’s dog who passed. She was the best office companion ever, and Teresa misses her by her side every day.