While research data suggests that our animal companions can improve our mood and overall health, their importance in our work-from-home routines is also true on a physical level. Pet owners in the UK keep their beloved pets close to their designated work area, such as comfortably lying on a nearby bed or unwanted reclining on a laptop.
We’re not ashamed of this either, with up to a third of owners surveyed admitting to displaying their pet friend on screen during work meetings, while 85 per cent said their colleagues knew their pet’s name.
Fortunately, this affection for pets has wide-ranging benefits, with 98 per cent of respondents saying their pets play an important role in improving their mental health – whether it’s being there for us when we’re complaining about the stresses of work or giving us a warm cushion to lean back against when we’re taking a break.
Pets can all be independent creatures, but they strike the perfect balance between affection, support and distraction. We believe this makes pets excellent home-based co-workers, improving their owners’ happiness and making their jobs more enjoyable.
It’s not necessarily a one-sided affair, either. Research has shown that working from home can also benefit our animal friends. There has been some early research suggesting that there may be a link between the amount of time spent alone at home each day and negative behaviours. Conversely, spending more time with your pet during the day may help reduce the risk of behavioural problems.
Nonetheless, just like humans, animals are capable of playing a variety of work-from-home roles that are beneficial.