How Office Cats Work To Improve Employee Morale

CATS SHOULD BE PART OF EVERY WORKPLACE

It’s finally happened. Millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce. This has great implications for innovation and bringing in new knowledge, but there’s one big down side. Millennials are the most stressed generation, and also the most terrible at handling stress.

So what can employers do to boost employee morale and keep things light in the office? Why, hire office cats, of course! It’s not often the first solution that comes to mind, but four-legged employees that purr are beginning to make appearances in offices around the world.

Here’s how these purring lovelies have been boosting employee morale from Atlanta to Tokyo to Dubai.

Having a Cat in the Workplace Fulfills your Cat-Destiny

Okay, so not everyone is destined to own a cat, but there are a lot of people who want to have a pet, but don’t have the time. For workers who live in the city, finding an apartment that allows pets is also easier said than done.

This is the case in Tokyo. As a result, cat cafes popped up around the city so customers can sip on coffee and tea, while petting a cat. One company decided this was not enough, so the Ferray Corporation adopted nine cats to keep the employees’ company. They even have their own Twitter page.

Cats Calm Employees

Office cats also help to calm employees by keeping stress levels low. Furkids, Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter, operates a cage-free environment for cats. The cats are free to roam the office, as well as special kitty living rooms.

Samantha Shelton, CEO of Furkids, tells us:

Animals are known to have a calming effect on humans by reducing our blood pressure and lowering stress levels. There’s nothing like having a happy cat face to greet you every time you walk into the office.

 

Cats Encourage Teamwork

Cats are a big responsibility whether a company adopts one or nine or has a whole shelter full of them. Usually, one person assumes the primary responsibility for taking care of the felines, but other co-workers are expected to chip in as well.

This encourages a better sense of teamwork, as employees work together to take care of their four-legged friends. When workers come together as a team, there is reduced conflict and animosity. This, in turn, helps workers to be happier and healthier in the office.

According to the team behind Seedy, the office cat at Pomegranate Institute in Dubai, hiring an office cat became the perfect team-building exercise. Co-founder Marie shared:

People have become more responsible at work now. They take care of him like a family member. If they are not in a good mood, they just drop by in this area and see Seedy play around and return to their desks happier.

 

Cats Help Prevent Employee Burnout

Throughout the day, as workers become engrossed in business-related emails and rush to finish projects, scheduling breaks can become difficult. Some employees may even skip lunch, or choose to grab a quick snack by their desk.

This seems like a great way to power through work, but it also leads to burnout. In fact, it’s been proven that taking breaks regularly, help workers to recharge and refocus. And no matter how focused your star worker is, they cannot resist a kitty begging for attention for very long – especially when he hops into their lap or sits on the keyboard.

The CEO of Furkids shares,

“Cats are really good at helping with paperwork. Mine loves to curl up on the papers on my desk and especially enjoys typing on my keyboard.”

 

Helping Cats Promotes a Feeling of Goodwill

Another way office cats help to boost employee morale is through the good feelings associated with giving back.

For example, at Alexis Chateau PR, my main role as Goodwill Ambassador is to raise awareness for animal justice and encourage people to adopt. Not only does the team love this positive association with the firm, but so do the clients!

Still, the office cat doesn’t have to be a company’s Ambassador to inspire feelings of pride and goodwill. As Pompous Albert’s happy employers told me:

We love that our office cats can help combat stress for our employees. In addition to benefiting the employees, we like knowing that we rescued three cats from a shelter. With so many unwanted animals in the world, it’s great to provide a home for three cats at our office. People who can’t have pets in their home can still adopt a cat for the office.

With so many great benefits of hiring an office cat, it’s no wonder a lot of companies around the world are taking on felines to keep employees happy and healthy. So what are you waiting for? Visit your local animal shelter today.

shadow the PR black cat looking out window

 

About the Author:

Shadow the PR Cat is the Goodwill Ambassador at Alexis Chateau PR. His job includes tweeting, purring, taking selfies, rolling in catnip, and advocating for animal rights. Follow his kitty adventures on Twitter as @ShadowThePRCat.

 

You might also enjoy these articles…

Is Bird Flu A Threat to Cats?

The bird flu, known scientifically as avian influenza (H5N1), has recently made alarming strides, spreading beyond birds to infect various mammals, including cats and even dairy cows. This development has raised significant concerns among health experts and pet owners...

The Fetching Felines Phenomenon

Move over, dogs—cats are making a fetch happen! A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that our feline friends might be more playful and trainable than we ever imagined. Researchers surveyed 924 cat owners with cats who have shown fetching behaviors in...

Litter Mixology: Creating the Perfect Blend for Your Cat’s Litter Box

As a devoted cat parent, I'm always on the lookout for ways to make my feline friends happier and our home cleaner. No one wants guests to instantly know they have a cat the moment they step into their home, particularly if the cat is nowhere in sight. One of the...

Lucky Cat Escapes Close Call With Two Pit Bulls

Source: NY Post In a shocking event that vividly illustrates the unpredictable nature of animal behavior, a quiet neighborhood in Florida became the backdrop for a dramatic confrontation. Two determined dogs, in their relentless pursuit of a cat, caused a staggering...

Devon Rex: Personality, Origin and Health Conditions

The Devon Rex, a feline marvel that’s all set to sprinkle some fairy dust into your life! With ears that could rival a bat’s radar and curls to make even the most seasoned hairstylist envious, these charming critters are nothing short of a living, purring fantasy novel.

A Paws for Wellness: The CancerCare PAW Program and the Support It Offers to Those Fighting Cancer

In the grueling fight against cancer, patients often seek comfort in the steadfast company of their pets. The joyous wag of a dog’s tail or the gentle nuzzle of a cat can speak volumes in silent, understanding support. This unbreakable bond has not gone unnoticed by CancerCare, which has embarked on helping patients who are also the proud caregivers to their beloved animal companions. The Pet Assistance and Wellness Program (PAW) by CancerCare honors the role pets play in the lives of the patients by providing a much-needed support cushion during their treatment.

How Cats Alleviate Loneliness

The global pandemic has brought loneliness into sharp focus, shedding light on a long-standing struggle for many. Lockdowns and social distancing have unveiled the emotional toll, underscoring the importance of companionship. In these isolated times, pets, particularly cats, have emerged as silent champions, providing much-needed solace and companionship.

DIY Cat Hammock

Looking for a fun, feline-centric project for the weekend? Try this DIY Hammock! Crafting a cozy haven for your feline friend doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, with a little creativity and some basic supplies, you can create a stylish and...

Study Finds Cats Have 276 Facial Expressions

Cats, our enigmatic feline friends, have long been masters of the subtle art of communication. A recent study, published in the journal Behavioral Processes, delves deep into the world of cat expressions, uncovering a whopping 276 distinct facial cues when these furry companions interact with each other.

Surprising Foods You Need to Keep Away from Your Cat

Cats are curious creatures by nature, and this inquisitive disposition often extends to their diet. However, as pet parents, it is incumbent upon us to be vigilant about what goes into their feeding bowls. Keeping them away from potentially harmful foods is not just...