Why remote workers choose their dogs over returning to the office

There is no secret that pet owners love their dogs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many of us worked from home, we got to spend much more time with them.

As the pandemic starts to fade away, many companies require their workforces to return to the office, and many dog owners are hesitating to return.

The fact is that dogs are such great companions that they are tough to leave behind, and today we are going to explain a few reasons why this is the case and how all of us can benefit by adopting a furry best friend.

A look at the numbers

If you are not a dog owner, then it may be hard to believe that people love their dogs so much that they are seriously considering quitting their job to be with them. However, you need to look at the numbers.

When surveyed, many respondents said that they felt a noticeable difference between being at the office and working from home, and the big change was that they felt less stressed with their dogs to keep them company.

In fact, 83% of people said that they were much more comfortable and anxiety-free when they were allowed to work with their pets. There is just something awesome about pausing work for a moment to stroke the soft fur of your beloved dog.

People are so serious about mixing dogs and work that 10% of owners say that they would happily take a pay cut if they could take their pup to work.

If that weren’t enough, 49% of people would consider switching jobs and leaving a career they loved if they were allowed to work at a pet-friendly workplace.

With that in mind, it is no wonder why searches for “dog-friendly workspaces near me” are up 200% this year.

The benefits of dogs

Dog ownership offers many amazing benefits that enable employees to live their best lives. Dogs help to combat loneliness because they are dependable companions that love nothing more than to be by your side at all times.

That is why pets are great for older folks who have lost family or otherwise deal with constant loneliness.

Studies show that even if dog owners are socially isolated, they still have better mental health than adults who do not have a pet.

Pets can also help us to get more physical exercise. Many people need the motivation to get out of the house to walk and breathe in some fresh air.

A dog that thrives on outside play can be exactly what we need to go to the park, take a hike, or enjoy a brisk walk around the block. People who work from home can take 15 minutes during their break to get these physical benefits.

Dogs can also make us more social, which is essential for good mental health.

Like with exercise, many people need a reason to meet and enjoy time with other people. Taking a pet to a dog park or a pet-friendly restaurant is a great way to talk with people without getting too far out of your comfort zone.

Communication is also an essential skill that can carry over into our work.

How remote work can be beneficial to your health

With so many great benefits, it is easy to see why pet owners are so determined to spend more time with their dogs. To add to their argument, experts say that working from home can also help an employee’s health. 

The first great benefit of a remote work arrangement is the lack of a commute. While driving to work used to be the norm, our commutes have gotten longer over the years.

Now, many of us spend an average of 28 minutes out on the road commuting to work, negatively affecting our health.

With that much time behind the wheel, it is easy to get upset about traffic and the time you are spending away from family, and it is very easy to bring that anxiety into the workplace. Chronic stress brought on by commuting can have mental and physical effects.

Remote workers improve work-life balance

Working in an office also reduces our chances of having a proper work-life balance.

If you add your hour-long, round-trip commute, most of us spend at least nine to ten hours away from our families, pets, and the things that we love, which is bad for our mental health.

We must be happy, and time spent working at home with your dog can supply your needs.

It is also healthier for the dog when the owner is at home. Dogs thrive on interaction with their human companions. They love to be entertained, so they are also generally happier and get more exercise when you work from home. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

In the end, it is not hard to see why it is so important for dog owners to work at home alongside their furry companions.

If you have a pet, bring these facts to your management and see if you can secure a chance to work from home.

Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion.