How Puppies and Kittens Breed Business Success

Want your kid to be the next Jack Welch or Nancy Pelosi?  According to a study by Kelton Research, you should get them a pet.  A whopping 93 percent of C-suite executives grew up with a pet, according to the research, and 78 percent of executives attribute their success to their childhood furry friend, with almost a quarter saying their first pet taught them more than their first internship.

Add to this the fact that 62 percent of those surveyed said they’ve become closer to co-workers thanks to pet ownership and 77 percent say they’ve had a big idea while walking their dog, and the case for pet ownership seems undeniable.

Aninmalplanet.com reports that there are a number of proven health benefits for people.  These include enhancing social skills, combating loneliness, exercising more, and decreasing stress, the risk of a heart attack and high blood pressure.  Pets also teach us responsibility and provide us with loyalty, companionship, and affection, in addition to the many physical and psychological benefits.

WHAT CAN I DO?  With all the stress we face in our daily lives, we owe it to ourselves to include things in our lives that bring us joy.  If you own pets, rejoice and commit to keep them in the best of health, so you can enjoy a fuller and more rewarding life.  If you don’t own a pet, carefully review your lifestyle and if you think it is conducive to owning an animal, consider adopting one from a local shelter or Petfinder.com.  Why?  Because we are all connected.  The more happy people there are in the world, the better our workplaces will be.

Jill Christensen is an employee engagement expert, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. She is a Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, authored the best-selling book, If Not You, Who?, and works with the best and brightest global leaders to improve productivity and retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Jill can be reached at +1.303.999.9224 or jill@jillchristensenintl.com.