HR Soapbox - Pets Might Not Be On The Clock, But They Should Be In The Office

March 13, 2008

Volume 6, Number 23

In This Issue...PETS MIGHT NOT BE ON THE CLOCK, BUT THEY SHOULD BE IN THE OFFICE

HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK LATELY?

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PETS MIGHT NOT BE ON THE CLOCK, BUT THEY SHOULD BE IN THE OFFICE

The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association reports that allowing pets in the workplace increases productivity, decreases absenteeism, improves morale and camaraderie, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages employees to work longer hours. Take it from someone who has been fortunate enough to bring her furry baby to work: those benefits are spot on.

Most days, Benny, my four-year-old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix (affectionately known as a Chiweenie), hangs out with his recently retired grandpa while mommy and daddy are at work. On several occasions, however, he's accompanied me to the office. Anxieties related to writing that seemingly impossible article instantly vanish on the days I can give him a hug. Staying late on those days doesn't faze me.

Half of all American households have at least one dog or cat that they treat as family members, says the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Think what a great (and no-cost!) recruiting and retention tool becoming a pet-friendly employer could be. I'd venture to say that pet owners would put a high price tag on being permitted to bring their pets to work. So high, in fact, they might be willing to accept a slightly lower-paying offer of employment than non-pet owners. I know I would.

There are typically two overriding "buts" to becoming a pet-friendly employer. The first: co-workers might have pet allergies. The second: co-workers might be afraid of the pets. Both valid concerns. Believe it or not, as a kid I was terrified of dogs. There are workable solutions, though, such as having separate work areas for those with pets and those with allergies, requiring pets to stay in their owners' work areas and/or on a leash at all times, and restricting pets from entering cafeterias, break rooms, restrooms, conference rooms, etc.

If instituting a pet-friendly policy is something your organization is considering, address:

How often will pets be allowed in the workplace? Daily? Once a week? Once a month? On an as-needed basis?
How should an employee request that he/she be allowed to bring a pet? Must he/she make a written request? To whom should the request be submitted?
What will decisions to permit a pet on premises be based on? Job duties? Seniority?

Finally, I have a message for pet owners. Taking your pet to work is a privilege. Treat it as such.

Make sure your pet is housebroken.
Always clean up after your pet. Have plenty of "doodle"
bags, as my husband and I call them, on hand.
Teach your pet basic commands, like "sit" and "stay."
Bring a blanket, bed, or toy to keep your pet comfy and occupied. Just, please, leave the squeaky toys at home.
Don't allow your pet to roam into co-workers' workspaces unless you are 100% sure they welcome the intrusion.
Put a note on your office door or cubicle stating that there is a dog, cat, etc., in the area. It's as much for the safety of your co-workers as it is for your pet.

Good luck, stay legal, and don't forget June 20 is national Take Your Dog To Work Day!

Melissa V. Pomerantz (aka Benny's mommy!)
Editor

READERS GET ON THE SOAPBOX

Here's what readers had to say in response to last month's issue on:
WORKPLACE GREETINGS: TOUCHY-FEELY MAKES ME UNEASY

Sadly, I believe that the "touchy feely" issues which, in the past were predominantly non-issues, arise more out of personality conflicts or creative thinking, than the reality of the moment. In too many environments, people will "use" the hug or similar warm gesture and label it as something close to harrassment. I know this first hand from hugging a woman who was hysterical hearing her husband had been in an auto accident. Weeks after the dust settled, she wrote a complaint that this had been haunting her. This coincidentally came just after we'd had a "disgreement" and the boss made a decision in my favor. Literally, the ordeal made me feel humiliated and even violated — because of what management is forced to do when looking into this.

In my work environment, I will not even shake hands with a female co-worker ever again — on or off site. Sounds ridiculous until you've been accused, investigated and live in a state of shock for too long of a time.

My motto has always been, "If in doubt, don't." If something could be misconstrued, such as a kiss, hug or whatever, then I just don't do it. I just went through sexual harassment with my employees and encouraged them to adopt the same motto.

I don't see any "intimacy" issue there; just good, common sense.

I do think you are right. Even if it is a sign of intimacy issues, all employees must be protected. Our employees really try to push the issue.
I am totally with you on everything you said in your article. If you don't touch anyone, then there won't be legal hassles about sexual harassment, etc. If there is no contact, there can be no misinterpretation. Outside of the workplace?? Why on earth would I want to kiss or touch anyone I work with outside the office? Sexual harassment issues can occur outside the office on non-office hours. I say just play it safe and keep your hands and lips off of everyone and everything!
Last year at our company holiday party, my CFO kissed me on the cheek and commented on my dress, then added, "You can't get me in trouble because we are not at work." I was taken aback by this, but did not say anything. It was a party, I took it as a compliment, but you are right, where do you draw the line at compliment vs. the other? Have we gone too far in being "politically correct"?
"Where you stand on an issue depends on where you sit" may be an appropriate quote for this issue. Those of us raised in the South have always shown more outward affection than those in other parts of the country. What's acceptable here, may not be elsewhere. We "hug," sometimes "kiss" (on the cheek)...and quite honestly, I think most of us can tell what's friendly and warm and what's a "come on." One should observe the culture, practices of wherever they are, rather than over-analyzing situations or worrying about "intent." Use your common sense, powers of observation, and your innate intuition and don't make something out of nothing...but don't ignore "something" that instinctively, you know is a come-on. I think we all know the difference here.
I think you are right on! Touching is a form of intimacy and has no place in a work setting. Being warm and friendly and interested in fellow employees is a plus but doesn't need to include physical contact other than shaking hands.
I am a touchy feely type, but I don't feel the workplace is a place where I want just anybody to feel it is alright to touchy feely me. So, I think that you are right on!
Co-workers, etc., are just that, co-workers. And intimacy does not belong in the work environment. It creates far more problems than anyone needs. Arms length or further is the way to go.

Note: Responses may have been edited for clarity and length.

Review past issues of HR Soapbox here.

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