A pet-friendly office can create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for both employees and visitors. However, if you allow pets into your workspace, cleanliness can become an issue. After all, animals like cats and dogs can shed fur everywhere; they may also leave other kinds of messes behind.
If you want to employ such a policy in your workspace, you need to have measures in place to ensure that everything stays hygienic. This way, you can ensure everyone’s health and safety, as they enjoy the company of adorable pets.
Below are some tips to help you maintain a pet-friendly space that promotes cleanliness, comfort, and harmony for humans and animals.
Setting the Stage
Before you allow pets into any workspace, it’s important to establish clear guidelines and policies. This helps create a structured environment, in which everyone knows and understands the expectations. In addition, laying down rules and regulations ensures that cleanliness can be maintained more easily.
To make things a lot easier, you may want to outsource your cleaning needs to commercial office cleaners with experience in pet-related cleaning concerns. When selecting a commercial cleaning company, communicate your requirements and expectations clearly to ensure they align with your pet-friendly workplace.
Dealing with Fur, Odours, and Pet Messes
While there are certain breeds of cats and dogs that shed very little, these adorable pets can be expected to leave behind some amount of fur wherever they go. Thus, if you’re going to allow pets at work, you need to double up on your usual vacuuming routine.
It’s also helpful to have lint rollers in strategic locations. For quick fur cleanup on clothing, have your reception staff or cleaning crew stock some pocket-sized lint rollers that employees and guests can borrow.
Meanwhile, odours can be managed through proper ventilation. You should also invest in air purifiers to get rid of not only musty smells, but also allergens like pet dander from the air. If needed, you can get pet-friendly air fresheners. However, do note that these only mask smells and don’t get rid of them completely. You still need to clean the area thoroughly to eliminate bad odours.
Finally, make sure to clean up pet messes ASAP using appropriate cleaning products. This will prevent stains and odours from setting in.
Implementing Pet-Friendly Cleaning Practices
If you’re going to be allowing pets in your office’s premises, then you need to get pet-friendly cleaning products to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. Avoid using products with toxic chemicals that may harm pets or trigger allergies. Instead, look for eco-friendly cleaning solutions that effectively eliminate dirt and germs.
That being said, there are natural ingredients that can still harm your pets. For example, too much limonene (the chemical that gives citrus fruits their distinct citrusy flavour and scent) can cause irritation to both cats and dogs.
Creating a Cleaning Schedule and Routine
It’s important to maintain a more frequent and consistent cleaning schedule in a pet-friendly workplace. Make sure that your cleaning staff is aware of all pet-related tasks, including disinfecting surfaces, mopping floors, emptying trash bins, and organising pet-friendly areas.
Additionally, you need to come up with a regular deep-cleaning routine for carpets, upholstery, and other pet-specific areas. This helps prevent the buildup of pet dander, allergens, and odours. The frequency of deep-cleaning will depend on the number of pets visiting the office every day.
Addressing Allergies and Health Concerns
For many people, pets can bring a sense of joy and companionship. That said, there are also people who have allergies or sensitivities to pets. Thus, before allowing your employees to bring their dogs and cats over, conduct a survey to know who among your team have pet-related health concerns.
Then, create a pet-free zone within the workplace and make use of high-efficiency air purifiers to help minimise allergens in shared spaces. Also, encourage open communication among employees. This will help you address any health concerns sensitively and explore accommodation options where necessary.
By being mindful of everyone’s needs, you can create a workspace that is both pet-friendly and considerate of individual health conditions.
Promoting Employee Awareness and Responsibility
The involvement of your employees is crucial in maintaining a clean and hygienic pet-friendly workspace. Make sure to highlight the importance of cleanliness and the impact it has on the overall well-being of pets and fellow colleagues.
You should also promote responsible pet ownership by emphasising the need to clean up after pets promptly. You can further encourage this by providing resources and guidelines for proper pet waste disposal, including designated areas and waste bags.
Finally, let your employees know that being able to bring their pets to work is a privilege that can be revoked. While having pets around can have a positive influence on people’s moods, animals can also be a source of various health issues. By promoting shared responsibility, everyone can enjoy the benefits of a pet-friendly workspace.
Making your office pet-friendly is usually a good move. Some people think pets in the office can be a distraction, but they’re actually a great way to relieve stress and thus boost productivity.
That being said, allowing pets in the office requires a commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. By following these tips, you can create an environment that is welcoming to pets, all while ensuring the well-being and comfort of all employees.