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Pets of Hudson RPO – Our Favourite Colleagues

Margot Moore

Bringing joy in challenging times

If there was one group that largely benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic – it was our pets. And while our pets certainly were key beneficiaries of the pandemic, with owners working from home, many would agree that it was our pets that saved us during this challenging time.
While most of us were locked in doors (some of us longer than others), our pets were our constant. They were by our sides, every day. They listened to our sadness, they sat with us while we cried, they became our best friends (if they weren’t that already). While our pets likely thought us working from home was a gift – they comforted us more than they will ever know. 

Our pets’ role in the new world of working

As we move into a new hybrid way of working from home and office, pets continue to bring both physical and mental health benefits to their owners. In fact, 74% of pet owners reported an increase in their mental health from pet ownership, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. The same institution notes five key benefits of pet ownership which further emphasize why our furry colleagues (whilst not very good at their desk jobs), are the best kind.

5 ways our pets positively impact our health and wellbeing:

  1. Pet ownership has been proven to alleviate stress. Multiple studies have shown that pet ownership can improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure and for dog owners – gives us a reason for getting out of the house every day for fresh air.1
  2. Pets improve mood and help to fight depression. According to a HABRI study of family physicians, 87% said their patients’ mood or outlook had improved as a result of pet ownership.2
  3. Pets give us companionship and reduce loneliness. While they may not be able to talk back to us in human languages, they certainly understand us – giving us a buddy we can always rely on to be there.
  4. Pets can contribute to our broader wellbeing by having a positive impact on our lives by bringing joy and comfort.
  5. Pets can provide longer term aid to those with mental health challenges. Owning a pet provides us with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Purpose and responsibility are key contributing factors for alleviating and/or managing mental health challenges.3

The science behind pet ownership

We can thank a chemical known as ‘Oxytocin’ or, the ‘love hormone’, to that rush of happiness we get when we see our pet’s excitement when we come home, or when we look over at our fur-friend doing something silly.  
When our brain releases oxytocin, we experience an array of physical benefits including slowing of the heart rate and breathing, decreased blood pressure, an inhibiting effect on stress and an overall sense of calm, comfort and focus.4

Our people and #ThePetsofHudsonRPO

In appreciation of our pets and everything they do for us; we asked our people to introduce us to theirs.

Meet some of the pets of Hudson RPO below:

Mojo and Manisha

Milo and Benji

Mojo and Manisha
"Mojo is turning 2 on Boxing Day 2022. His favorite snack is tomatoes - I find it weird. He finds the most awkward and funny positions to sleep. We love him to bits!”
Milo at table
“This is Milo, my rescued mutt. I rescued him from the streets in 2019, not knowing that he would later rescue my mental health during the isolation days of the pandemic in 2020.”

Luna, Aura and Concetta

Luna
“Luna and Aura are always next to me. They are very sociable, needy and give lots of cuddles and kisses. They are the best work assistants especially when they steal my pens.”

Hank and Matt

"Hiere is my dog Hank down here in Tampa, FL. He's a 7 year old bloodhoud who loves to nap, eat, and take long rides in the truck."

Tigger and Cameron

“This is Tigger-the-toeless who took on a car at 11 months old and lost, he in fact lost a whole toe and used five of his nine lives. He's a Bengal which means he is quite big, loves climbing and is hypoallergenic (which is great as I am allergic to cats).”

Oliang and Jake

“Oliang is my ‘office mate’- always staying beside me during work. She knows the time when I will start my shift, my lunchtime, and when I will be logging out.”

Murray and Louise

"This is Murray, the Sprocker. He is named after Andy Murray. Total coincidence that he is obsessed with tennis balls!"

Zoewhiey and Karisa

Zoewhiey
“Zoewhiey helped me a lot with my depression and anxiety. She's well known by my colleagues in Hudson RPO. Whenever we have meetings, she needs to be beside me if not she will bark and insist to join the meeting!”

See more #PetsofHudsonRPO here:

Winston
Winston
Frankei
Frankie
Bonnir
Bonnie
Bo
Bo
Monty
Monty
Bailey
Bailey
Dashby
Dashby
Dexter
Dexter
Noodle
Noodle
Hank
Hank
Bohdi
Bohdi
Alfie
Alfie
Bailey
Bailey

Whether it’s a dog, a cat, a bird or a bunny – As we continue to support our people to work flexibly, at Hudson RPO our pets make up an important and large portion of our workforce!

Want to help us shape the future of talent? Join our team today (and bring your pet!).

Sources

  1. Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: the possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 234.
  2. Valeri, R. M. (2006). Tails of laughter: A pilot study examining the relationship between companion animal guardianship (pet ownership) and laughter. Society & Animals, 14(3), 275-293.
  3. Brooks, H., Rushton, K., Walker, S., Lovell, K., & Rogers, A. (2016). Ontological security and connectivity provided by pets: a study in the self-management of the everyday lives of people diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition. BMC psychiatry, 16(1), 409.
  4. Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: the possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 234.

Margot Moore

Global Brand Manager

Margot has worked across recruitment, employer branding and marketing for over 10 years. In her current role, Margot is responsible for the Hudson RPO brand and works closely with the global marketing team to ensure the consistency and quality of our brand.

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