Coworkers of a Quarantine: Working from Home with Pets

Since the era of COVID-19, individuals in the workforce who are fortunate to keep their jobs and work from home face a new challenge as they settle into their new schedule. These individuals are facing a new group of colleagues. Some of these new coworkers are thrilled their best friends have become their office mates, while some are confused why their tolerated part-time visitors have become full-time nuisances. A few of them have an “all play no work” mentality and a couple even think an open laptop is a heated seat. These new teammates being referred to are of course, the beloved pets of the world.

While acclimating to work life with our furry four-legged companions can be trying, their presence in our busy remote work schedules can be valuable to our health and productivity. With the correct safety precautions, taking a midday dog walk break is a fantastic way for individuals to get more exercise and leave their homes for fresh air. Returning to work after a break that includes exercise and fresh oxygen could spark original ideas, give new perspectives to current projects and reinvigorate productivity.

Focusing on a career can be hard when non-work-related fears flood the brain. COVID-19 has caused the population immense anxiety, depression and loneliness. Pet owners need their companions more than ever. According to the CDC, pets can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol, and change feelings of loneliness and isolation. Animals that provide unconditional love can have lasting positive effects on the emotional and physical well-beings of their owners.

Working from home with new four-legged co-workers has some unique challenges. They don’t care about the consequences of invading personal space, power cords are toys and lunch will never be the same. Even with these drawbacks, their presence is paramount in these unprecedented times. The lucky employees who are able to work remotely should be thankful if they have a companion by their side, even if they snore during work hours.