Take Your Dog to Work & Improve the Health of the Seniors Around You
Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day! Almost all senior living communities these days are pet-friendly. Can you imagine leaving your home for many years and not bringing your precious pup?
We know how life-improving pets can be for senior adults, so why not consider how life-improving working with our pet can be too?
According to a study from Harvard Business Review in 2023, the presence of facility dogs in hospitals was associated with increased employee sense of accomplishment, positive job attitudes, and greater mental health.
How can you facilitate this in your team? We know that not everyone’s pet would be welcome and contribute to productivity, but consider how you might foster a more welcoming environment for dogs in your workplace.
You can start by adding pet stations in walking areas and providing fresh water.
Our team members bear the stress of supporting residents through a big life transition and having their pets by their sides through it all can make work seem less nerve-wracking. There’s a reason why so many pets are emotional support animals. Pets can also offer great comfort to residents and help alleviate any stress they may be feeling about their move.
But how do you create a welcoming environment for pets, while ensuring team members maintain productivity and respect potential prospects’ comfort with animals?
The Discovery Room should be off-limits for Fido. The discovery space, or wherever you meet customers for the first time should be a pet-free zone. Ensure you check regularly that this area smells clean and fresh.
Work with your sales team on a reasonable walk schedule. Dogs need to go out, and calls need to get done. Ensure the dog is on a regular schedule so the sales team member is available for calls and walk-ins.
Compromise is key. Being able to bring your dog to work is a privilege, and the manager and team should commit to open and honest communication on whether or not this is working. The team member should have a backup plan for their pet if they can’t come to work one day.
Involve the residents. Many residents may love the opportunity to pet-sit, but wouldn’t be able to take on a dog full-time. Get them involved in the fun of having a new friend in the community.
Having pets in your community, even if it’s just for a special visit, can be beneficial to both your staff and your residents. It may surprise you the impact it can have on seniors’ spirits.
