Pet ownership across the United States has increased manifold in recent years. There is a good reason for it because animals like dogs and cats bring great joy, reduce stress levels, and promote love and companionship.
Around 500,000 dogs are used for service purposes alone. As for other reasons, 66% of US households own a pet. The figure has shot up from 56% in 1988. Like pets are increasing in numbers among residents, the same holds true for commercial buildings.
Yes, workplaces are gradually but steadily becoming more pet-friendly than ever. Employers are allowing dogs and cats into their havens and releasing relevant pet-friendly policies. If you also wish to avail yourself of the benefits of having furry friends over, there are some financial considerations to make. In this article, we will discuss the main costs involved in making your workplace pet-friendly.
Chances of Liability
Bear in mind that inviting pets may mean being open to the possibility of a liability. A case in point would be a pet getting aggressive and attacking someone in the office. There may even be injuries to other pets within the premises.
As the employer, you will be held liable for the injuries occurring within your commercial space. This means having pet insurance is a second financial consideration for a pet-friendly workplace.
Furthermore, personal belongings are also under threat of being damaged by pets. The liability may fall on the employer, depending on the circumstances. This could prove to be quite expensive, so ensure you’re sufficiently covered or have a plan before announcing that the workplace has become pet-friendly.
Other steps besides insurance could be discouraging certain breeds that are known to be unpredictable and aggressive.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Employee health and morale depend upon the hygiene and cleanliness of the workplace. Moreover, this helps maintain a good market standing. Up until now, we believe you took proper measures to uphold hygiene and cleanliness via regular cleaning services, waste removal, etc.
If four-legged fur balls are about to join the office, you will have to amp up the hygiene factor. For instance – the main area of concern would be pet waste. You should make it clear in the policy that owners are expected to clean after their pets. However, traces may remain on the lawn or other pet-designated spaces.
Generic waste removal services may not suffice here. It would be best to invest in focused pet waste pickup services. You can click here to understand how all of this works. It will maintain your commercial real estate’s aesthetics, protect the environment, and ensure everyone’s health and safety.
According to Scoop Soldiers, pet waste contains harmful bacteria like E. coli, giardia, and salmonella. This makes pet waste hazardous to humans, causing health conditions like kidney disorders and intestinal malfunctioning. Investing in pet waste removal is a necessary step.
The company may charge on an hourly basis. The professionals will offer additional services like sanitization, disinfection, and deodorization for total assurance.
Employee Training
Thirdly, you may have to shelve out some resources toward employee training. This is especially true when you’re opening doors for even clients to bring along their furry friends. Not everyone knows how to behave around pet dogs and cats.
Consider this scenario – one of the employees bows to greet and pet a dog when it gets defensive. Had they known that certain breeds do not like to be petted by strangers, they would have refrained. The same goes for teasing a pet or getting too physically close to them.
In 2023, companies spent an average of $954 per person on employee training. Perhaps this included a special session for familiarizing employees with pet etiquette. Even if you don’t have to spend this much, some costs will be involved for training. In any case, do not skip this process as it could be dangerous.
Pet Treats and Entertainment
Now, if you’re inviting pets into your workplace, you must bear some responsibility toward their leisure and entertainment. This will keep them busy, less agitated, and more engaged with their new surroundings.
Albeit an optional expense, it is good to establish a pet corner where toys and treats are available. Your employees or clients will also feel valued because pets are often family, right? If you wish to walk another extra mile, consider offering different training courses for free – agility, behavior modification, obedience, etc.
As we wrap things up, we would like to cheer you on with your decision to create a pet-friendly workplace. Truly, its power is undeniable as you may see some shocking changes in work-life balance, productivity, and general ambiance of the office. Even the Harvard Business Review attests to this fact.
Just proceed with a full understanding of what it might cost you. Go through each area discussed in this article and compare between services. Ensure everything falls within your budget and gradually make the move. Wishing you the very best as you transition to a new phase of business and growth!
