Working from home has been a dream for many until the pandemic came to make it a reality. Not only was it us who rejoiced the idea of not having to leave the house for labor, but our pets are also thrilled with this thought. Now they can enjoy their time with us all day long, and we won’t be consumed with guilt at the idea that we have left them alone. However, working from home comes with its challenges when we have pets around the house. So, while we need another article to discuss how to achieve as much work as possible without letting our pets win all of our attention and focus, we are talking about spending a whole day inside with a pet and a cramped to-do list.
The advantages of working from home as a pet owner
It is not only about being outside of the office or working alone in your comfort zone, but it is also about being with your best friend. Working from home means you do not have to put food and water for your pet in the morning, look at them with guilty eyes and leave the house for your work. First, think of the main reason why you decided to adopt or get your pet. Then, think of how far your relationship has gone—spending time with your fluffy friend even when you are working means that you will have someone you love by your side at all-time which is comforting and helpful to get rid of stress and bad feelings. You will be able to have a calm morning with them, play with them more, and care for them more than you usually would. Based on the Anxiety and Depression Association of America findings, the general happiness level of Americans who worked from home with their pets was higher, called “the pet effect.”
It is now proven that having a pet can decrease workplace stress. Working from home can be pretty stressful, but adding a pet to the equation can help lower your stress levels in two ways:
One: working from home is far less stressful than working from an office as your space is less crowded with people who could make you lose focus by chatting with you and asking you to complete some tasks for them.
Two: having a pet can further reduce the stress you are going through by being the perfect companion.
When you reduce your stress levels, you will find that your health is improving, starting with lower blood pressure and similar stress level indicators. According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, having a pet, a companion can even reduce depression and anxiety levels and other mental health issues.
While you may think that working from home with a pet around means that you will spend most of your time taking care of them, studies have proven the opposite. Working from home can increase your productivity, especially if you own a pet. The guilt you get for thinking that you left your pet alone at home and knowing that you must have been caring for it can affect your productivity. Therefore, working from home, with your pet around, can help you feel less guilty and focus more on your work. Your pet will benefit from the additional attention and care you are giving them, and your boss will be satisfied with your work and achievements.
Being around your pet means you will receive many visits and calls for cuddles. This will give you a much-needed break that will be helpful for your mental health. You will enjoy connecting with your pet more than you usually do, and this has lots of health benefits for both of you. You can also schedule a short walk with your dog during breaks or some game time with your cat. This will add physical benefit to your day as you will be more active during your day.
Working from home means you are saving time on commuting. This time can be spent caring for your pet’s health and wellbeing. You could schedule your dog’s veterinary appointments during that time or take them for a good makeover at the groomer. This will contribute to reducing the guilt feeling you could have had for not caring for your pet.
Working from home is an excellent way to save money, especially that you do not have to commute, buy more clothes to be worn to work, and do other things. But if you are working from home and caring for your pet simultaneously, you will be able to save additional money. In addition, you won’t need any pet daycare services anymore or a dog walker, as you will be able to do all of these now by yourself.
Tips for working from home with a pet:
Productivity tips for when you are working with a pet around:
It is essential to spend some time with your pet before you start working. This will satisfy them and prevent them from feeling bored and alone all the time. If you have a dog, schedule a walk with it during that time. You will both be able to be active and increase your dopamine levels. This works as a good bonding exercise and can make your pet tired enough to enjoy a quiet time, maybe alone for a few hours when working and being productive.
It is essential to spend time with them, but when you need to leave them, make sure they have something to do, rather than sit there feeling bored. Boredom will more likely make them needy and want your attention more and more. Your dog will bark, and your cat will meow long enough to cut your thoughts and ideas and make you unable to focus.
If your pet is around you while you work, they are more likely to come to ask for your attention every time they need it. In order to be able to keep them around without compromising on your productivity, make sure that you do not give them the required attention every time they are near you, looking at you with cute puppy eyes.
To avoid having your pet interrupting your productivity, keep them away while performing critical tasks and make sure to visit them and play with them often. Please do so by scheduling breaks spent with them.
Do you enjoy working from home with your pet friend?
Sources:
https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/benefits-working-from-home-pet-owner
https://www.freeportvet.com/services/other/blog/secret-staying-sane-while-working-home-pets
https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-love/how-to-work-from-home-with-dogs/