【職場熱話】調查：逾4成受訪者表示在辦公室養寵物可提高工作滿意度 Survey suggests over 40% of respondents said that having pets in the office can increase job satisfaction

近年來，隨著新世代加入職場並更重視工作與生活平衡，職場環境正經歷革新。疫情的影響使員工更重視彈性上班安排和人性化福利政策。其中「寵物友善辦公室」在國外已經非常普遍，像Google、Amazon等大企業都已實施這項政策。香港企業如鴻福堂和日本命力等，也正實踐寵物友善政策。他們允許員工帶子女或寵物一起上班，促進人寵共融，營造更輕鬆的工作環境。

求職平台LiveCareer的研究顯示，94%的人支持在工作場所飼養寵物。同時，76%的人表示在寵物友善辦公室的環境下工作是一種積極的體驗。41%受訪者表示，在辦公室裡養寵物可以提高他們的滿意度。寵物友善辦公室已經成為吸引人才的一個重要因素。52%的受訪者表示，寵物友善的福利政策在考慮是否接受一份工作時非常重要。以下是一些寵物友善辦公室的好處：

1. 讓員工放心專注於工作：
   有時候，主人不得不把寵物留在家裡，因此容易分心並感到內疚。相反，允許員工帶著寵物上班，他們就能更專注地投入工作，無需時時牽掛和擔心寵物的安全。
2. 增加工作動力：
   研究顯示，允許員工帶寵物上班，能增加他們的工作熱情和工作時數。因為員工不再趕回家照顧或陪伴寵物，他們更有動力工作和留在公司。
3. 營造輕鬆的工作環境：
   根據華盛頓州立大學的研究，只需要與貓狗互動10分鐘，就能安撫情緒、紓解壓力。33%受訪者認為寵物友善辦公室能營造放鬆的工作環境。寵物能為緊張和沉悶的工作環境帶來更多歡樂。當員工遇到困難或感到壓力時，可以透過與寵物的互動來排解情緒。
4. 激發創新思維：
   與寵物的互動，能激發員工的創新能力和工作效率。尤其對於從事創新行業的員工來說，他們長期需要集中思考，寵物的陪伴能給予他們更多的靈感和動力。
5. 促進員工關係：
   寵物可增加同事之間的互動和交流機會，51%受訪者認為寵物友善辦公室讓他們與同事有更多互動。根據《國際環境研究與公共健康期刊》的研究，狗隻可提供社交支援，有助改善員工的工作表現和促進交流，加深彼此之間的感情，提升團隊的士氣。

寵物友善辦公室不僅能讓員工更專注工作，增加工作動力，還能營造輕鬆的工作環境，促進創新和改善員工關係。你的公司是否已經踏出這一步，為員工提供一個與寵物共享的工作場所？

In recent years, the workplace environment has been undergoing a transformation, driven by the entrance of the new generation into the workforce and their increased emphasis on achieving a work-life balance. The impact of the pandemic has further heightened the importance of flexible work arrangements and employee-friendly welfare policies. One such policy that has become increasingly common, particularly in foreign countries, is the concept of a "pet-friendly office." Major corporations like Google and Amazon have already implemented this policy, and companies in Hong Kong such as Hong Fook Tong and Meiriki Japan are also embracing the idea. They allow employees to bring their children or pets to work, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals and creating a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment.

According to research conducted by Job seeking platform, LiveCareer, 94% of people support the idea of having pets in the workplace, with 76% stating that working in a pet-friendly office environment is a positive experience. Furthermore, 41% of respondents believe that having pets in the office can increase their overall job satisfaction. A pet-friendly office has become a significant factor in attracting talent, with 52% of respondents stating that a pet-friendly welfare policy is highly important when considering a job offer. Let's explore some of the benefits associated with a pet-friendly office:

1. Peace of mind for employees:
   Allowing employees to bring their pets to work alleviates the distraction and guilt that may arise when leaving them at home. By having their pets with them, employees can concentrate more on their work without worrying about their pets' well-being.
2. Increased motivation:
   Research indicates that permitting pets in the workplace can boost employee enthusiasm and work hours. Since employees no longer need to rush home to care for or spend time with their pets, they are more motivated to work and remain engaged within the company.
3. Creating a relaxed work environment and reducing work-related stress:
   Study from Washington State University shows that just 10 minutes of interaction with cats or dogs can soothe emotions and relieve stress. Approximately 33% of respondents believe that a pet-friendly office helps cultivate a relaxed work environment. Pets bring joy and alleviate tension in the workplace. When employees face challenges or experience stress, interacting with pets can help them unwind and manage their emotions.
4. Inspiring innovative thinking:
   Interacting with pets can stimulate employees' creativity and work efficiency. This is particularly relevant for employees in innovative industries that require extensive periods of focused thinking. The presence of pets can provide inspiration and motivation.
5. Promoting employee relationships:
   Pets facilitate interaction and communication among colleagues, as indicated by 51% of respondents who feel that a pet-friendly office encourages more socialisation. Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that dogs, in particular, provide social support, enhance employee performance, foster communication, strengthen emotional connections, thereby boost team morale.

A pet-friendly office not only allows employees to concentrate on their work and increase motivation and job satisfaction, but also cultivates a relaxed work environment, fosters innovation, and strengthens employee relationships. Has your company embraced this approach and provided a workspace where employees can share their time with pets?