Therapy without an appointment, during working hours – the dog-friendly office really gives

The vast majority of pet owners agree: their four-legged friends not only provide company, but also have an extremely positive effect on their mental health. According to a recent study covering 20 countries1, 83 percent of owners feel that their pet has a positive effect on their mental health. Focused thinking is important for performance at work, and to do this, it is important to reduce stress, for which the company of our pets is excellent. Work also goes better in a stress-free environment, and our pets can help us with this if they accompany us.

Pets: everyday furry therapists

When they are stressed, 58 percent of owners crave the company of their pets, 32 percent prefer their pets over their partners, 23 percent over their family members, and 18 percent over their friends. According to 84 percent of pet owners, the presence of pets is also healing and calming. In quiet moments spent together, 84 percent like to watch their pet relax. Communication also matters: 77 percent say it is calming to talk to their pet, and 66 percent feel the same way when they get a “response” – be it a yawn or a curious head tilt. Just as resting is easier with them, exercise is also easier: pets don’t let us sit in one place for too long – they often literally “snap out of it”, after which we can continue working with renewed vigor. 78 percent say their pet encourages them to take a break from work or housework. And we know how important it is to get up from the screen for ten minutes every hour, stretch out and get some fresh air. Having a pet with us also makes it easier to connect with colleagues: 54 percent of respondents said their pet improved their social life, through new conversations, relationships and friendships. 73 percent of respondents say their pet helps them stop overthinking, helps them focus on the present and concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Pets are important to us and have a positive impact on us – let them be with us during the day

According to Mars research, for more than a third of pet owners, their pet is the most important thing in the world. This number is even higher among millennials (40%) and Generation Z (45%). When we leave home, we don’t like to leave them alone, every third owner feels guilty about it. But we don’t have to leave them at home! Let’s do what is good for our pets and good for us. Happiness lies in the little things and everyday life, so we don’t have to wait for it, but we have to notice it and do something for it. We spend a significant part of our everyday lives working, whether at home or in the office. The responsibilities and deadlines that come with it often cause stress, both among experienced and younger employees. The presence of our pet can reduce stress, calm us down, while they are also happy to be with us. Is there a better win-win situation than that?

“When a pet can accompany its owner to work, it has a positive effect not only on the person, but also on the animal. It is especially comforting for dogs to be close to their owner throughout the day – this reduces separation anxiety and promotes their emotional stability. The office environment provides new stimuli that can mentally stimulate dogs, while the regular human presence can give them a sense of security. This type of shared everyday life also strengthens the bond between owner and pet, which is beneficial in all aspects”

— explains Orsolya Czegény, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Pet Nutrition Central Europe.