Workplace stress can have a significant impact on a worker’s overall mental health. In fact, the American Psychological Association found that 67% of adults are feeling overwhelmed by issues they are facing.
But there is one tried and true method to reducing workplace stress: having a dog by your side.
Research from CertaPet shows that many people make decisions based around the time they can spend with their pets. In fact, 69% of the 2,600 pet owners stated they would prefer to work remotely full-time in order to be there for their dog.
Many respondents said they prioritized their dogs over human relationships, with 70% of people saying they would end a relationship if the person did not allow their dog to be around.
It’s understandable why, too. Dogs have long been loyal companions that offer owners more than just adorable company.
Even more, research by Washington State University has shown that interacting with dogs can improve people’s ability to think, plan, concentrate, and memorize.
Having a dog has also been linked to better physical health and lower stress levels. Because dogs require a certain amount of physical activity, owners have the responsibility to get outside their house, walk the dog, or just play with them.
Because physical health is so intertwined with our stress levels and mental state, ensuring that a dog is exercised and cared for helps humans alleviate their own health challenges.