Keeping your staff constantly motivated and energetic is often the most difficult of tasks for managers and executives. In New York City, the banality of the workplace is slowly becoming a thing of the past as a top financial planning and investment advisory firm tries to inject a little fun in its day to day activities.

In some firms in the U.S., a pet in the office may signify the coming of the weekend. In Chapin Hill Advisors, Inc., it's just another workday. Kathy Boyle, CHA founder and president, has decided that everyday should be “bring your pet to work” day. Boyle says, “When I’m having a stressful day and the market is going haywire, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing?’ I just pet one of (the pets) and they automatically make me feel calm.”

A survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) states that 100% of the U.S. companies that allowed pets in the office, agreed that the animals' presence foster a much more pleasant and relaxing working environment. Having pets in the office is not all play, though. Ground rules should be set so conflicts can be avoided. There will always be rivalries and liability issues but, according to Boyle, these issues don’t compare to the benefits of having your pet with you in the office.

“Having an animal in the office brings a sense of joy, it brings a sense of fun,” says Boyle. “We work very hard and long hours, and being able to lighten it up is watching Paco run down the hallway chasing his ball. It brings a sense of joy, humanness and kindness.”