Employees sick as a dog? A four-legged friend could help
Having well behaved pets in the workplace would lead to employees taking less days off sick, according to over 70% of healthcare professionals surveyed by Blue Cross pet charity.
The leading pet charity carried out the survey with hundreds of GPs, medical consultants and therapists to show what pet owners have always known - that pets are good for our health.
88% of healthcare professionals believe that motivation and productivity would be increased by taking regular breaks to walk a dog. A Blue Cross survey of 1,000 UK employees revealed two thirds spend their lunch break chained to their desk – a stroll with a pet could be the key to increase a workforce’s output.
While healthcare professionals agreed that a pet could be an asset to a business, not all workplaces can accommodate one. With many working longer hours and irregular schedules, last year Blue Cross saw double the number of pets admitted because their owner was out all day. The charity is asking anyone thinking of taking on a pet to make sure they aren’t going to be forced to leave them alone for long periods of time.
Claire Stallard, Blue Cross Animal Behaviourist said: “We will all need to leave our pets at home alone sometimes, but many don’t like being left for long hours and can become really distressed. We ask all potential pet owners to consider what will happen to their pet during the day if they work long hours before it is too late and they find their only option is to give their pet up. Pets are good for our health, we owe it to them to be good for theirs! ”
Tullah, an 11-year-old Welsh terrier, accompanies owner Gerri Gallagher to her office at Tatler magazine. Gerri said: “Tullah is my ‘editorial consultant’. She has been coming to work with me for the last ten years and we get the bus in together every day. She is a real character and brings a sigh of relief and humour to us when things get a little stressy.”
Blue Cross is celebrating those pets lucky enough to join their owners at work. From pub cats to office dogs, the charity is calling out to find pets at work across the UK. Visit bluecross.org.uk/petsatwork to find out more and register your favourite pet at work.
