Hayley OKeeffe
8 April, 2025
News

Why Milton Keynes business owners should consider an enriching animal experience for their employees

The cost of living crisis has made life increasingly difficult for many in Milton Keynes, and across the UK where inflation, high housing costs, and rising bills continue to create financial stress for both individuals and families.

Could your business benefit from an animal encounter? Animal News Agency

As the pressure mounts, employees are often stretched thin, with many struggling to balance work demands and personal stress.

In such a challenging environment, looking after employees has never been more important for business owners.

Kew Little Pigs' show pigs love to visit all kinds of environments - Animal News Agency
Kew Little Pigs' show pigs love to visit all kinds of environments - Animal News Agency Credit: Animal News Agency

Happy and healthy employees are not only more productive but also more loyal, creative, and engaged. Offering something unique, like an enriching animal experience, can provide a much-needed reprieve for employees and show them they are truly valued.

Kew Little Pigs, offers a variety of corporate events and experiences designed to bring joy, relaxation, and even a bit of excitement to the workplace.

During the pandemic, Kew Little Pigs became a lifeline for frontline workers, offering them a peaceful and playful escape from the stresses they were enduring.

Today, Kew Little Pigs continues to be an award-winning attraction that offers unique corporate experiences, including taking their adorable miniature pigs to offices and corporate events across the country.

For business owners looking for a way to reward and rejuvenate their teams, Kew Little Pigs offers the perfect solution.

As business owners, it’s important to recognise that the well-being of your employees directly impacts your company’s success.

Offering enriching experiences like animal interactions can provide stress relief, build stronger teams, and improve productivity—all while showing your employees that you genuinely care about their happiness. Kew Little Pigs provides an opportunity to do just that, offering employees a fun and relaxing experience they will cherish.

In a time when life is tough for many, taking a moment to create joy in the workplace can go a long way in ensuring long-term success.

Consider investing in an enriching animal experience to reward your employees for their hard work and create a positive, happy workplace culture. After all, when employees feel valued, they’ll bring their best selves to work every day.

Here are five reasons why it’s a great idea to consider enriching animal experiences for your employees.

1. Boost employee well-being and mental health

In today’s fast-paced world, work-related stress is at an all-time high, and mental health issues are on the rise. Offering employees an opportunity to engage with animals, particularly miniature pigs, can provide them with a fun, relaxing break from their daily grind. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health. Bringing animals into the workplace allows employees to recharge, focus on something other than work, and enjoy a unique experience that promotes happiness.

Olivia Mikhail, the owner of Kew Little Pigs, has seen firsthand how such experiences can transform employee well-being. “Seeing the faces of office workers light up when they interact with our pigs is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing how much joy animals can bring, and the positive impact it has on people’s mental health is undeniable.”

2. Enhance team building and collaboration

Animal experiences can be a great way to foster team spirit and improve communication among employees. By engaging with animals, employees can form shared, memorable experiences that promote bonding. Whether they are working together to care for the animals, take part in fun activities, or simply enjoy the moments together, these experiences help build trust, improve collaboration, and create stronger interpersonal relationships.

Team-building activities like these can be a refreshing change from the traditional office environment, encouraging employees to step outside of their comfort zones and develop stronger, more cohesive teams. It’s a creative way to bring people together and foster a positive work culture.

3. Offer a unique and memorable reward

In an era where burnout is common and motivation can wane, finding ways to reward employees meaningfully is crucial. While traditional bonuses and gifts can be appreciated, offering an experience that is fun, unique, and interactive is far more impactful. A visit from miniature pigs or a day out at Kew Little Pigs’ corporate events can be the perfect way to show employees that you truly value their hard work.

As Olivia Mikhail puts it, “The long-term value of investing in enrichment for staff can’t be overstated. Employees remember these moments, and they carry that feeling of being appreciated with them long after the experience.”

4. Increase employee productivity and job satisfaction

A happy employee is a productive employee. When employees feel appreciated and experience a sense of well-being, their motivation and job satisfaction increase. Offering an enriching animal experience helps reduce workplace stress, boosts morale, and can give employees the rejuvenation they need to approach their tasks with renewed energy. Not only will this positively impact their performance, but it will also contribute to a more harmonious and efficient workplace.

Furthermore, employees who feel satisfied and supported are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.

5. Create a positive work environment and company culture

Organising an animal experience can help foster a fun and inclusive workplace culture. It demonstrates that a company cares about the overall well-being of its staff and is willing to go the extra mile to create a positive work environment. This not only boosts morale but can also enhance your company’s reputation. People love working in places that prioritise happiness and mental health, and the right initiatives can help you attract top talent.

Olivia Mikhail emphasises, "The joy our pigs bring to offices is priceless. It’s not just about fun—it’s about creating a space where people feel valued and respected. The positive impact on company culture is profound."

To find out more about how Kew Little Pigs could help your business thrive email events@kewlittlepigs.com or visit www.kewlittlepigs.com