As an avid animal lover and the proud owner of two Jack Russell Terriers, a French Bulldog and a White Alsatian, I have long believed in the countless benefits that pets can bring to one's life. But less well known are the many benefits of being rich pets present in the workplace.

Animals can have tremendous power in breaking down barriers, creating meaningful connections, and building cohesion in a team. There's even a whole subset of science that helps explain why pets can promote better well-being, especially in the context of fostering a happy and productive workplace:

Related: Here's why you should adopt a pet-friendly office policy

1. Reducing dangerous stress levels

Pet a dog or a cat for just 10 minutes can have an incredibly positive effect on stress, according to research conducted by scientists at Washington State University. When our bodies experience stress, especially in a chronic way, which is linked to workplace dissatisfaction and results in lower levels of productivity, the “stress hormone” cortisol will be released as a result.

However, too high and sustained levels of cortisol levels in our bodies can be harmful, as they can lead to a weaker immune system and disrupt insulin levels, which increases the risk of diabetes and causes increased blood pressure levels. The study, a real-life intervention conducted on 249 college students, showed for the first time that cortisol levels actually dropped significantly after just a brief interaction with pets.

2. Improving job satisfaction

A 2019 report conducted by researchers from University of Lincoln in the UKsponsored by Purina Human-Animal Bond Studies, showed that employees who frequently take their dog to work report 22% higher levels of satisfaction with their working conditions. This means that this has the potential to increase overall job satisfaction as well. Interestingly, Purina's sister company Nestle has allowed employees to bring their dogs into its offices since 2015, showing that four-legged friends in the workplace can make work more enjoyable and, for therefore, more desirable in the long run.

3. Increasing cooperation and inclusiveness

For the uninitiated, pets in the workplace can sometimes be seen as a distraction. However, this is nowhere near the truth. There is surprising evidence that the opposite is, in fact, true. A ITEM written by researchers from University College London and the National University of Singapore for Journal of Management shows growing evidence that, according to employees, pet-friendly workplaces improve communication between employees and even management.

This indicates that this, in turn, increases information sharingwhich leads to increased bonding and trust among employees. The presence of pets is even more important for those in the workplace who suffer from chronic health problems, disabilities and mental health challenges, meaning pets can catalyze an even more diverse and inclusive workplace .

4. A happier workplace

Evidence shows that pets make us happier, even in the workplace. or STUDY by scientists at Manhattanville College in New York, shows that there is a clear connection between well-being and interactions with pets. In addition, Human Animal Bonding Research Institute shows that the presence of animals in workplaces increases levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, chemicals that make us feel rewarded and give us a greater sense of well-being. Interacting with pets in the office also shows an increase in the body's levels of oxytocin, a chemical popularly known as the “love hormone” that gives people a sense of happiness.

Related: Tips for creating an ideal workplace for pets

5. Bringing your personality to work

There is a psychological case for making pets part of the office furniture. or STUDY that surveyed 31 companies in Kentucky, showed that pets bring out their owners' personalities at work. According to research, pets act as empathic symbols that employees use as a means of expressing their personality, which works in a similar way to plants and artwork that add color to offices. A more expressive employee is more likely to add value to a workplace, which increases the creative output within a team that can increase productivity.

There is a scientific case for bringing pets into the workplace. Even Google CEO Sundar Pichai would agree that regular visits from his famous labradoodle Jeffree make work life even healthier. As a proud owner of four dogs, I completely agree. I'm sure Frenchie Harold does too.