In a now-viral LinkedIn publish, Hyderabad-based startup Harvested Robotics launched its latest recruit: Denver, a golden retriever, employed as the corporate’s Chief Happiness Officer. “He doesn’t code. He doesn’t care. He simply exhibits up, steals hearts, and retains the power up,” wrote co-founder Rahul Arepaka. The publish ended with an announcement: “We’re formally pet-friendly now. Greatest resolution.”
Throughout India, workplaces have gotten extra open to pets, each owned and stray. From sleepy cats lounging close to desks to energetic canine wagging via conferences, animals have gotten sudden morale boosters. “Pets and strays on the office prolong heat greetings – typically with a wagging tail or a nudge from a curious nostril. It’s simply probably the most enjoyable, heartwarming elements of our day,” mentioned Chetan Mahajan, founder and CEO, The Mavericks India.
A tradition rooted in compassion
This motion isn’t solely new. The late Ratan Tata, recognized for his love for canine, adopted strays, ensured kennels have been constructed at Bombay Home for them, and advocated for stray-friendly insurance policies at Taj Inns. Tata additionally established a small animal hospital in Mumbai, a facility geared up with cutting-edge expertise for animal care, a testomony to his dedication to bettering the lives of pets and strays alike.
Equally, Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal launched a canine named Bijlee as a part of the crew in 2023.
For a lot of, pets are a part of who they’re. “When persons are allowed to deliver their entire selves to work, together with their pets, they thrive,” Mahajan mentioned. “Animals remind us to pause, play, and be current.”
Canine is seen chilling on the sofa (Photograph courtesy: DriveU)
At The Mavericks India, there’s no formal coverage. “It’s simply how we’re – empathetic and open,” he mentioned. Whether or not a furry good friend exhibits up on a video name or dozes off below a desk, it’s all a part of the tradition.
The enjoyment they convey
Raghuvinder Singh Pathania, head of neighborhood and operations, WeWork India Administration Restricted, sees pets as pure stress-relievers. “They get rid of the anxiousness of leaving pets at residence and create a extra relaxed, inclusive workspace.”
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DriveU, which has embraced pet-friendliness since its inception in 2015, considers Lily, a rescue canine, its mascot. “She’s half Mudhol hound, half Indie, and all coronary heart,” mentioned Rahm Shastry, co-founder and CEO. “You’ll even see her pop up on our app when finding a driver,” he mentioned.
At WeWork, Shebin Mathew shares her area with Doobie, her adopted canine. “She went from timid to workplace movie star,” Mathew mentioned. “Having her round makes work really feel like residence, particularly on lengthy days.”
An emplyee seen working because the canine sits beside (Photograph courtesy: WeWork)
Sherry, an indie stray who wandered into The Mavericks’ campus sooner or later, by no means left. “She made herself at residence, and actually, we wouldn’t have it every other means,” Mahajan mentioned.
Has it enhanced the work tradition?
Sure, say CEOs. The advantages go deeper. “Animals act as Chief Energising Officers. They spark conversations, diffuse stress, and encourage us to breathe,” Mahajan mentioned. “Pets encourage breaks, ease anxiousness, and enhance crew bonding, turning lengthy conferences into lighter moments,” he mentioned.
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Shastry agreed, and mentioned, “Workers are sometimes seen petting or feeding the pets. We consider this definitely helps break the monotony of the workplace setting.”
Even spontaneous moments have lasting affect. “As soon as, throughout an interview, our canine June burst in mid-zoomies, dragging tissues. It broke the ice, lightened the temper, and reminded us what our office is basically about, pleasure and spontaneity,” mentioned Mahajan.
Worker is seen interacting with a canine (Photograph courtesy: DriveU)
Dr. Tonmoy Sharma, psychiatrist and CEO of Merlin Well being, confirmed the science. “Just some minutes with a relaxed canine or purring cat can decrease cortisol ranges and provide a mind reset. For somebody struggling silently, pets can provide a quiet, highly effective type of help.”
How about pet cleansing wants and office security?
Workplaces that welcome pets additionally plan for it. Mahajan talked about cozy corners, water bowls, treats, and close by vet visits for strays. “Some discover foster properties via the crew. Others come by for calm, and that’s sufficient.”
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At DriveU, all canine are potty-trained and are taken for walks repeatedly. “Workplace boys bathe them, and vaccinations are updated,” mentioned Shastry.
WeWork follows a proper coverage: pets have to be leashed and below proprietor supervision in shared areas. “It’s about steadiness. Welcoming pets whereas respecting everybody’s consolation,” mentioned Pathania.
The Mavericks preserve lint rollers, wipes, and hand sanitisers stocked. “Truthfully, it hasn’t been onerous. Frequent sense and shared accountability go a great distance,” Mahajan mentioned.
‘Paw’sitive help on the office
At DriveU, staff who undertake a pet are eligible for seven days of pet paternity depart, together with Saturday and Sunday. “That is over and above our common depart coverage as that is our means of supporting the beginning of a brand new bond at residence,” Shastry mentioned.
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WeWork India additionally gives a number of supportive companies and initiatives, together with bereavement depart of as much as 10 days of depart to mourn the lack of a pet.
Chetan with Taz (Photograph courtesy: Mavericks India)
Interplay with animal welfare NGOs, participation in adoption drives, and attending seminars on accountable pet possession and neighborhood canine care are among the initiatives. “We dedicate one per cent of our earnings every year to causes near our hearts, particularly, pet welfare. We’re additionally working carefully with Dr Pampapathi on an initiative that may actually save lives, establishing a blood financial institution for canine and cats,” mentioned Shastry.
Can bigger conglomerates undertake the thought?
“Completely, with intention and planning,” mentioned Mahajan. “Each office has its personal rhythm, however we consider that integrating pets into workspaces, even in structured or rotating methods, may be extremely significant. It’s a small change that brings an enormous emotional payoff. And in a world that’s racing forward, small moments of pleasure matter greater than ever,” Mahajan mentioned.
Seems, a furry good friend within the workplace isn’t a distraction. It’s a light reminder to breathe, reset, and preserve going.