Pet-friendly Workplace Challenges Aussie Businesses
.jpg)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media release: 22 February, 2012
Pet-friendly workplace Challenges Aussie businesses
VetShopAustralia.com.au, a pet friendly workplace since the online retailer’s inception in 1999, is challenging other Australian businesses to assimilate their policy.
Dr Mark Perissinotto, the in-house Vet at VetShopAustralia.com.au headquarters proposes other companies take up the challenge; as studies reveal pets in the work environment increases employee productivity, cooperation and reduces stress.
“We have 13 years of personal experience employing the policy and now studies prove what we have demonstrated for more than a decade; pet friendly workplaces are beneficial for both people and their pets," Dr Perissinotto said.
Research fellow at the University of Western Australia, Dr Lisa Wood, agrees dogs can strengthen employee relationships and boost morale. A study by central Michigan University in 2010 also found people were more cooperative when working in groups when accompanied by a dog.
“The benefits have been proven by multiple studies and VetShopAustralia’s personal experience. We challenge other businesses to adopt a pet-friendly workplace policy. It is a win-win for pets and employees alike,” Dr Perissinotto said.
As the number of companies who embrace pet-friendly policies grows internationally particularly in Taiwan and the USA such as Google, Amazon, Dell and Nokia; VetShopAustralia would like to see other Aussie businesses to implement the practice.
“We want businesses and pet owners to enjoy the advantages of a pet-friendly workplace. We believe pet owners would be glad to have their best friend accompany them to work and many pets would love it too.”
VetShopAustralia.com’s Sunshine Coast office typically comprises of a purebred Australian Cattle Dog, a German Shepherd, two Border Collies and a handful of fish on staff.
“Many cats and dogs suffer from separation anxiety, particularly when their owners return to work after a holiday period. At VetShopAustralia we are proud to have a policy in place which minimises the occurrence and severity of this serious condition,” Dr Perissinotto said.
Dr Perissinotto recommends that pet owners assess their own pet’s suitability for their individual work environment before bringing them to the job site.
“Untrained or territorial dogs could potentially cause disruption in the workplace,” he said.
However, Dr Perissinotto explains the concept that pets can help construct a positive and industrious environment is being increasingly accepted.
Animal Welfare League Queensland has introduced Special Human Animal Relationships in Education (SHARE) Reading Dogs Program into many Queensland Schools. Children who struggle with reading are gaining confidence by reading aloud to a listener free from criticism – a dog, accompanied by its handler.
“If dogs in schools can help create a non-threatening atmosphere for children to learn new skills, then it makes sense that dogs help create a supportive workplace conducive to productivity,” Dr Perissinotto said.
ENDS
Further information
Media Contact: Jemma Lenton 07 5453 4840
Jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com
Address: 5/42 Owen Creek RD. Forest Glen QLD
Go to the Dr Mark bio page for more information about Dr Mark Perissinotto.