Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Spring 2017 - 29

GreaterReadingChamber.org

* Do you have a special place such
as a crate or safe gated area to provide
a pet?
* Be considerate of co-workers and/
or employees. Some people are allergic
or unsure of pets.
* Slowly integrate the pet into the
workplace.
Some of the most successful companies
in the world welcome pets at their offices.
While these include the usual suspects
like Google, Amazon and Ben & Jerry's
that are renowned for their work culture
and employee friendly policies, there are
some companies that take their pets very
seriously indeed.
Some pets are not just office regulars,
they are also stars in their own right. Molly,
the English bulldog mascot for Comfort
Pro Heating and Air Conditioning, is
seen all around Berks County including
billboards and service trucks.
When Pets in the Workplace Are a Good
Idea
1. Reduce stress. How can you not feel
at ease when petting and looking into the
cheerful eyes of a dog or cat? It's an instant
mood lifter.

2. Bring the team together. An
office dog can be an incredibly powerful
bonding tool. In some offices, people like
to keep to themselves; but how would this
change if suddenly a pet was introduced to
the workplace? It would become a shared
interest among employees, creating a new
point of conversation.
3. Encourage healthy living. Pets need
exercise and playtime. They remind people
that they need to get some fresh air at
lunch, take a break and get some exercise,
even if it's a walk around the block.
4. Increased Productivity. Taking
short breaks away from your desk can work
wonders for your productivity. Research
has found that giving yourself a break
allows you to return to your work feeling
refreshed and engaged.
Want to bring your pet to work?
Here are some tips on how to approach
management to allow dogs in the
workplace.

1. Find out how many employees
are interested, as well as how many are
neutral or opposed to having dogs in
the workplace. If you can show support,
management may be more willing to
consider your proposal.
2. Focus on the benefits to the company.
Talk about improved job satisfaction,
increased productivity and reduced stress,
as well as the company earning an animalfriendly reputation.
3. Volunteer to start a committee. Some
businesses may be hesitant to allow pets
in the workplace due to legal and liability
concerns. Offer to start an employee-led
committee to write and enforce rules and
to follow up on any complaints.
4. Make sure your office is prepared.
Find outdoor areas suitable for walking
dogs, identify spaces in the office that
should be dog-free (such as restrooms and
break rooms) and identify areas for features
such as waste disposal stations.
5. Ask for a trial run. Start small by
asking your company to allow dogs for
a short trial period of a week or two. A
one-day event can be fun, but a longer trial
period gives the dogs a chance to adapt,
relax and become good officemates.

Our Team Has Grown!
Full service real estate company representing clients in
Berks and Lancaster County.

Chris J. Weikel

Megan Weikel

REALTOR®/Broker

REALTOR®

Stephanie Young

Jeff Weikel

Cristyl Lapi

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

12A South Fifth Avenue * West Reading, PA 19611 * (610) 816-7404

www.WeikelRealtyGroup.com

12A South Fifth Avenue * West Reading, PA 19611 * (610) 816-7404

First choice For clients seeking integrity and high-value services
29
http://www.GreaterReadingChamber.org http://www.WeikelRealtyGroup.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Spring 2017
