Bring Your Pet to Work [Every] Day

With increased work demands and longer commutes, the workplace is becoming a home away from home. Many companies are moving to employee-centered work atmospheres by providing new wellness initiatives and other amenities to help make employees feel comfortable and enjoy the environment they work in. But even with healthy food options and exercise classes, many employees still rush out the door at 5:00 p.m. to spend time with the beloved pets waiting for them at home. This challenge is now being recognized by today’s employers, and many are seeing mutual benefits to inviting employees to bring their four-legged friends along with them.
Power of Pets
Decades of research have shown that pets provide numerous health benefits, from lower blood pressure, reduced stress and anxiety, boosted immunity, and prevention of asthma and allergies. Even a quick pet can calm and reduce subconscious tensions. And when you’re less stressed, you’re generally happier, more creative, and more productive.

By bringing their pets to work, employees aren’t worried about having to stay late once in a while or feel guilty about leaving their pet at home all day. They feel they have a better work-life balance, which ultimately leads to less absenteeism and better employee retention.

Taking their pets outside for a quick walk or restroom break also provides increased movement and much needed brain breaks throughout the day. It even gets employees out of their primary area and encourages new interactions and coworker bonding that may have not happened otherwise.

Family and Friends
Often, pets are thought of as a member of the family. Since the beginning of David Edward, the canine companions of the Pitts family have helped make David Edward a special place.

Four-legged friends have been a steady feature at the David Edward office since Edward Pitts began the company. He always had a love for dogs, and brought them to work with him every day. Their presence provided a welcome and more informal environment, and soon, the David Edward family of employees became attached to them as well. Over the years, the beloved pups of David Edward have even made special appearances in marketing materials