Working from home can be both a blessing and a challenge. While the flexibility and comfort of a home office are undeniable perks, working remotely can also bring about feelings of isolation and stress. Working from home with a pet can have numerous benefits, enhancing both the professional and personal aspects of remote work.
According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work Report, one in three workers feel like they spend too much time at home while working remotely, and 23% struggle with loneliness. Despite these statistics, 98% of participants said they wanted to continue working remotely (at least part of the time) for the foreseeable future.
There are many remedies if you don’t want to return to the office but feel burnt out and isolated. Try visiting coworking or third spaces, staying active, joining Slack communities, virtual networking, or working from home with a pet.
The most common house pets are dogs and cats. However, some people also care for bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, fish, turtles, or hamsters. Adopting an animal that can interact with you is a great way to lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness caused by working from home.
6 Ways Working From Home With a Pet Can Benefit You
1. Pets Provide Companionship
The solitary nature of working from home can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Having a furry friend by your side can alleviate these emotions, offering a constant source of companionship and reducing the sense of isolation.
Pets’ unconditional love and loyalty can create a positive and supportive work environment.
2. Pets Can Reduce Stress
The daily grind of work, the challenges of remote communication, and potential distractions can elevate stress levels. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Petting a dog or playing with a cat releases endorphins, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. A pet can act as a natural stress reliever in a work-from-home setting, where stress is a common challenge.
3. Pets Promote Physical Activity and Breaks
Working from home often means long hours seated in front of a computer, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Having a pet encourages breaks for walks, playtime, or simply stretching.
These breaks benefit the pet and enhance the remote worker’s physical and mental health. Regular movement and breaks can improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being.
4. Pets Contribute to a Healthier Work-Life Balance
The boundary between work and personal life can blur when the office is at home. Working from home with a pet serves as a reminder to take breaks, step away from the computer, and prioritize self-care.
Whether it’s a quick walk, a game of fetch, or a moment of relaxation with a purring cat, these interactions provide a healthy balance and help prevent burnout.
5. Pets Bring Joy and Humor Into the Home Office
The unpredictable and amusing antics of animals can lighten the atmosphere and provide moments of levity during stressful workdays.
Laughter has been shown to positively affect mental health, reducing tension and increasing happiness. A pet’s playful behavior can be a welcome distraction, promoting a more positive and enjoyable work environment.
6. Pets Foster a Sense of Responsibility and Routine
Caring for a pet requires a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. Establishing and maintaining a routine can provide structure to the day, helping remote workers manage their time effectively.
The sense of responsibility associated with pet care can also instill a feeling of purpose and accomplishment, contributing to a more fulfilling work-from-home experience.
Adopt a Pet Today
During the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 23 million households adopted a pet. Now that some people are being called back to the office, animal shelters are overwhelmed by the number of animals being returned or given up. If you work from home, even part-time, consider adopting a companion to keep you company, lower your stress levels, help add structure to your day, and make you laugh.
