Emma Gallagher is an Employer Branding & Graduate Recruitment Lead at Schneider Electric. She has over 10 years experience finding future talent their dream roles and loves watching them grow.
Emma is a huge animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs, and has a passion for trying new things and is currently learning to ride a dirt bike. She also loves travelling and experiencing different cultures.
She discusses the importance of employee wellbeing and how in fact pets can provide some powerful benefits to your physical and mental health.
Supported throughout lockdown by her two dogs
For Emma, pets are "a source of joy" for someone who has suffered "debilitating" anxiety for many years.
Although she has always been surrounded by a menagerie by pets, Emma didn't realise their true impact until she moved out of her family home to her own house over lockdown.
"My two dogs Lady and Leo have honestly kept me sane and given me pure joy on a daily basis! From the excitement they show when I greet them, even if I’ve only been gone for 20 minutes, to the unconditional love they give me every day! They have also taught me responsibility, as they fully rely on your for their care and survival. No more weekend lay-ins for me!" she explains.
"If I’ve had a bad day, they will always lift my mood and ease any stress or anxiety. As well as ensuring I get out and about to walk them, even if I don’t feel like it that day."
Celebrating the positive impact of pets on wellbeing
Emma wants to celebrate the positive impact pets have on mental health and wellbeing, particularly through times of crisis, and to acknowledge their vital roles - "not only our companions but in some cases have been our co-workers!" she adds.
She asks Schneider Electric colleague Caroline Ross: "What has your pet done for you?"
“I grew up with dogs and have owned dogs all my adult life. The sadness of losing a trusted member of the family is tough and heart breaking, but far out ways not to have one," explains Caroline, Schneider Electric Regional Proposal Lead (EMEA) Sales.
"My dogs have supported me over the years through good times and bad and regardless what life has thrown at me, they are the one constant. Always pleased to see me, never judgemental and give love unconditionally," she adds.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.