5 Considerations for Office Plants in a Pet-Friendly Workplace
Frog Recruitment and PETstock are proud to celebrate NZTOPDOG once again. 4 prestigious awards: NZ Top Dog, NZ Top Office Dog, NZ Top Dog with a Job, and our new addition NZ Top Dog Friendly Workplace. Learn more and enter now.

Pet-friendly workplaces have become a rising trend in today's business world. Having dogs or cats in the office can transform your company culture without impacting efficiency. Workplace pets increase relaxation and comfort. They make break time more effective and can even reduce workplace conflicts. But pets also add a unique layer of complexity to every other office logistic. Especially office plants. Pets love indoor plants, but it's important to make sure the indoor plants are both safe from and safe for your office pets.

Plants in the workplace, living and arrangements, are an essential part of a positive work environment. Greenery lifts the spirits, releases clean oxygen, and creates good smells that everyone enjoys walking past. But bringing plants into your office alongside workplace pets can be a little tricky. With a few important considerations, you can choose the perfect office plants to get along with your office pets. 
 
Non-Toxic Plant Life
Some plants that are common in workplace planters and arrangements are safe to work near, but not eat. This can make these plants dangerous to both dogs and cats who occasionally nibble on nearby leaves. For this reason, it's important to select the plants in-reach of pets with toxicity in mind. While there are many plants that pets shouldn't eat, most are perfectly safe if your dog or cat wants to nibble a little greenery to freshen up.
Potentially dangerous plants include amaryllis, ivy, poinsettia, elephant ear, and aloe. 
 
Potentially Nutritious
Interestingly, you can even take the health consideration in the opposite direction. What plants are good for your pets to eat? You might want a few planters of catnip to play with the workplace kitties. Or you might want a few nutritional herbs that are safe for pets like basil, sage, and thyme. Especially if you want planters near the ground or multi-level planters, it's important to remember why pets chew plants in the first place: To get earth nutrients. So pick your plants with the understanding that they might get the occasional nibble.
 
Play Potential
The plants that are most lovely in an office setting are also often the most tempting for pets to play with. Springy leaves, dangling vines, and fluffy flowers are all too much temptation for cats and many dogs also like to pounce on a waving frond. Consider plants and arrangements that either minimize the temptation for your workplace pets to pounce and play or choose plants that can survive. 
Indoor shrubbery, for example, is very sturdy while cacti varieties and more woody plants will create less temptation to play.
 
Out-of-Reach and Topple-Proof
One of your best plans is to simply keep those office plants out of reach of your floor-bound furry friends. Hanging air plants, for example, are a beautiful addition to the workplace and dogs will never take note of them. But cats might. Plants placed on top of shelves, refrigerators, desks, and in nooks are also less likely to attract attention or be subject to the occasional pet romp.
Topple-proof planters and vases also play a role. Trees and shrubs in sturdy, weighted planters are much safer than a delicate vase arrangement, for example. Make sure pet antics can't knock over your biophilic design with pay or completely by accident.
 
Alternate Toys and Snacks
Finally, don't forget to provide plenty of alternative toys and snacks. Bored pets will seek entertainment in the workplace environment, like the bouncy green plants. But dogs and cats with plenty of toys and tasty snacks will be much less interested in playing with your plant life. The key to making your workplace truly pet-friendly is to plan everything with pet safety and happiness in mind.
 
Biophilic Design for Pet-Friendly Workplaces
Biophilic design is one of the most versatile ways to improve your workplace environment in the industry. Plantlife can brighten a room, improve air quality, and entertain pets. 

#NZTOPDOG is BACK! Proudly brought to you by Frog Recruitment and PETstock, your NZ retailer of pet supplies.


This year, Frog Recruitment is again supporting charity Pet Refuge. Pet Refuge New Zealand provides temporary shelter for pets affected by domestic violence, keeping them safe while their owners escape abuse.

Learn more about them here.

Buy a Pet Refuge cape here.

Get in touch

Remi Marcelin • September 7, 2021

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: