Animals and children – Do they belong in the workplace?
March 1st, 2010 @ 8:51 am
I have consulted with supervisors and employees in a variety of workplace issues for more years than I care to admit. Several companies later, I learned that every business has its own set of challenges and workplace issues, although there are many issues that are common, regardless of the organization.
Despite this coincidence, there is a subject that promotes an interesting debate: the employees who bring their children or pets to work, and the company’s position on this issue.
Managers typically adopt one of two positions when it comes to children and pets in the workplace . Some managers feel that it is “no big deal,” while the work is performed. Then there is another group of managers who believe that it is inappropriate, at least, and possible liability of the organization. What are some advantages and disadvantages for companies that allow employees to that in animals or children in the workplace?
Pros :
Encourage a flexible, supportive and non-traditional work for the Environment
Employees want flexibility in the workplace. Flexibility means different things to different people, but for some employees, labor flexibility means they can take your child or a beloved pet in the office. There are managers who will see this as an employee to do the job no matter the circumstances. Some consider that employees will be more productive if they are not worried about a pet who is home alone, or if your agent does not have to stay out of the office to attend to a child.
This kind of flexibility is often important for small businesses that place a high value on not only productivity but also in the culture of the workplace. It is important for many companies that employee perceptions of the workplace is one that is supportive to the needs of their staff., And this includes allowing
Cons :
reaction and perception of other staff members
Not all people are comfortable with animals. There may be people who are afraid of animals or who are allergic to certain pets.
Some employees may perceive that co-workers with children receive preferential treatment, while other staff members may believe that colleagues are caring for children or pets in the workplace are not working so hard. How can they be if a child or pet distracts them from their work? These same employees may believe they are working doubly hard to cover the work that their colleagues are not doing it because they have taken a child or a pet to the office.
Disclaimer Questions ;
If a child or pet is injured on company property, the company might be liable, notwithstanding that he is guilty. There may also be city, state, or federal regulations that prohibit “workers” on the premises in certain work situations, due to security issues or licensing.
Baseline – the best policy is to analyze in advance what the position of your company is to enable employees to children or pets to work. Probably more pros and cons you will need to consider based on the specific circumstances of your business.
Once you’ve completed the analysis, write a policy that addresses the company’s position in bringing children and pets to work, if the decision is to allow or not. Ensure that employees are made aware of company policy.
If the position of his organization is to allow children or pets in the workplace, contact an employment lawyer and the appropriate state and local officials so that you have a clear understanding of the potential liability of your company may face. Use this information to develop a simple, but a clear policy outlining their expectations and restrictions on their policy.
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