A Hyderabad-based start-up’s post sharing their pet-friendly policy and the appointment of a furry ‘happiness officer’ recently made waves on social media, triggering conversations about whether pet-friendly spaces can reduce stress and burnout
In addition to improving focus, creativity and enabling team bonding, pets can also lower physiological responses to stress at work
In the corporate world, where employee satisfaction measures are typically limited to surveys and HR-led coupon handouts, one organisation has decided to up their game and hire a Chief Happiness Officer. And unlike other C-Suite employees, this employee welcomes belly rubs and pets in exchange for boosting employee well-being and morale. The officer in question is a golden retriever named Denver, and the organisation that hired him is a Hyderabad-based robotics startup. In the post announcing Denver’s appointment, the co-founder of the organisation also announced that their workplace was now officially a pet-friendly zone. Needless to say, the move was lauded on social media with many users appreciating the impact it would make on employee stress. But in a long list of dramatic moves aimed more at social media virality than actual benefits, how does this one play out?
A photograph of Denver is highlighted on the company’s LinkedIn page. Pic Courtesy/Harvested labs on LinkedIn
According to one study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, there may be some truth to the organisation’s claims. The study found that 91 per cent of employees in pet-friendly environments show up every morning feeling more engaged in their work, while 85 per cent were less inclined to missing workdays for well-being or recuperation, as compared to 77 per cent in non-pet-friendly workplaces. “Animal-assisted therapy is a fast growing and highly beneficial therapeutic modality. While the idea of a furry colleague might sound novel, the therapeutic benefits of pets have been researched for years in psychology, medicine and workplace well-being,” explains psychologist Namrata Jain. She adds that with high-pressure environments, long working hours and a relentless hustle culture leaving employees feeling more stressed and disengaged than ever before, preventive and unique interventions such as pet-friendly offices can add a layer of emotional support.
Namrata Jain, psychologist
Less stress. More pets
Jain shares that pets can actively help in stress reduction and mood regulation. “Interacting with animals, especially through touch and play, triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — all neurochemicals associated with relaxation and bonding. Simply stroking a pet can lower cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation during high-pressure workdays,” she notes. Additionally, studies indicate that individuals exposed to pets in stressful environments exhibit lower physiological responses to stress, including reduced blood pressure and heart rate. In a fast-paced work environment, even short breaks with an office pet can create micro-moments of calm. Further, pets (especially dogs) act as social catalysts. They help build spontaneous interaction between team members and ease communication. This can strengthen interpersonal bonds and increase a sense of belongingness, both of which are crucial for workplace morale and psychological safety.
Studies have shown that the presence of pets reduces workplace fatigue and improves cognitive abilities. Representation Pics/Istock
With workplace fatigue often stemming from cognitive overload, micro-recovery breaks that involve even just a few minutes of play with a pet can refresh cognitive abilities, improve focus and boost creativity. “Denver will not just be walking around in the office; he will be contributing to better attention spans and fewer burnout symptoms,” Jain says. Even in workplaces that have hybrid models, pets can actively help combat loneliness. “Their presence can act as a gentle grounding force, leading to companionship and emotional support especially for those who may be living away from families,” she suggests.
Arti Shroff, psychologist
Calmer, happier workspaces
Even if your workplace does not permit the presence of furry friends, there are still other ways to usher in some of the calm they induce, suggests psychologist Arti Shroff. “Offices could create a separate room or lounge where employees can listen to or even play music. Larger organisations can set up gyms or patios with plants to help employees de-stress,” she says. Periodic retreats that involve socialisation, self-care and relaxation methods can also promote team building, bonding, trust and socialisation.
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