Do Your Coworkers “Respect Your Cat”?

By Candace Fisher, SPHR, Director, Organizational Development/Certified Coach
Published March 28, 2023

In case you didn’t know,  today (March 28th) is “Respect Your Cat Day.” You may be questioning, “What does this have to do with HR or the workplace?” Plenty! Please allow me to explain.

A couple of weeks ago, I rushed into a meeting with a colleague, apologizing for being a couple of minutes late and explaining that there was an important call I had to take. This perceptive coworker could tell that I was upset and asked if everything was okay. I explained that I had been speaking to an animal care specialist about my 20-year-old cat whose health was failing. My colleague expressed her concern and gave me some caring advice. The following Monday, she followed up with me and asked how Dori was doing. I teared up a bit when I told her that we said our good-byes on Saturday. Again, my coworker was very sympathetic and compassionate. I’m guessing she mentioned it to others with whom we were meeting later, because other coworkers also expressed their sympathy.

For those of you who don’t know me well, I am passionate about animal rescue and about my own “fur babies.” My colleagues, most of whom I’ve worked with for many years, know this about me. (It’s even in my bio!) I was very touched that they expressed their personal concern, and I admit that I cried, yet again, when I received flowers from these caring people.

Most of us spend a good portion of our waking time at work, whether that be onsite, offsite, or from home. Many of us speak with and collaborate more with our colleagues than we do with some of our close friends. Supporting our coworkers tells them that we care and helps build trust among colleagues. It’s much more satisfying to work in an organization where we know that others “have our back” rather than having to “watch our back.” 

According to a recent article on indeed.com, there are many benefits to supporting our coworkers including:

• Building morale. Showing kindness and offering help can improve morale in our workplace.
• Mutual support. When we support others, they’re more likely to support us.
• Good leadership. Helping others is an important quality in a good leader.
• Personal health. A positive, supportive work environment can reduce stress. High stress has an adverse impact on our health.
• Productivity. When we work as a team and support each other, we can work more productively.

These benefits not only help individual employees, but they are also beneficial to the organization. The benefits of healthier and more productive employees are obvious. In addition, these positive qualities in concert with a supportive culture will also help an organization recruit and retain good employees.

I’m fortunate to work with such a great group of people at HR Source who care about and support each other. What can you do at your organization to get to know your colleagues, to support them, and to let them know that you “respect their cat”? Share your experiences in the HR Exchange.