Pets at work reduce stress

TASMANIAN workplaces hosted some temporary animal employees this month to reduce workplace stress.

Lifeline Hobart encouraged the Tasmanian workforce to bring a pet to work, throw on some slippers, dress as they liked and to have some fun with colleagues as part of National Stress Down Day on Friday, July 22.

“Lifeline’s Stress Down Day was dedicated to reducing the burden of stress on our community, and encouraged people in schools and workplaces to have fun with their colleagues, friends or family … and raise funds for Lifeline,” Lifeline business development manager Peter Crosswell says.

Animal companionship has long been linked to helping decrease stress.

“Animals, particularly dogs, are used all over the world to help people cope with stress,” he says.

But even if taking your dog to work is an unlikely scenario, Mr Crosswell says there are plenty of ways to encourage a happy and productive workplace that would help to create a less stressful environment.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Rob Wallace says methods of dealing with stress were vital for a productive workplace.

“The impact of stress is something that all businesses should take very seriously and we encourage all workplaces to look at ways they can help their employees overcome stress and depression,” Mr Wallace says.

Workers participating in the Lifeline event raised money through sponsorship, with all the proceeds going to help Lifeline’s call centre service, which deals with everyday stress, life-threatening depression and mental illness.