Furry friends of Form3

Some pets may make a stellar appearance during a Zoom call meeting, but as we are such a unique set of individuals working across diverse teams, locations, and time zones, we like to keep connected and see what our team’s four-legged friends are up to via our Special Interest Group Slack channel, dedicated exclusively to our team’s pets.

We have some avid animal fans at Form3, so someone from the group is likely to post a photo once a week. The emoji reactions run high every time, as the shared content guarantees to make someone’s day. Some may say it may be yet the best channel out there….

While this sound like a bias statement, a study from the University of Indiana back in 2015 found that pets can improve mental health. Have you ever watched a video of a cute cat and got a warm, fuzzy feeling? You are not alone. This study found that after watching the cat-related online media, individuals felt happier, more positive and energetic.

In line with this and to encourage team interactions while working remotely, to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2022, we organised a virtual pet visit via Zoom, where our team could give their pets their 15 minutes of fame! Although it didn’t matter whether you had to have a pet to show and tell - everyone could tag along to see their colleagues' furry friends online.

While this initiative may be back by popular demand in the near future, in the meantime, let the photos of cute Form3 pets keep coming… we’ve included some in this post, to make their owners proud.

We also wanted to take a moment to celebrate National Pet Month in partnership with Flexa. For this, we have asked our team to share what it feels like to work with their pets - read their testimony!

This is Simba.

Working flexibly from home means I can walk her when it’s convenient for me I am grateful that I can be with my pet most of the day every day and she’s not at home waiting for me to come home and walk her during the lunch. When I worked in the office, my lunch hour would be spent on driving back home, quickly walking her, eating in under 5 minutes and driving back. I did that for many years - probably 7 years

Based in the UK.

This is India.

In my case, the dog is responsible of walking me at least 3 times a day Going to the office would be really bad for my dog because it would mean a lot of hours alone at home. To be honest, I didn't even consider having a dog before I started working remotely. Also it is really nice to take a quick break just to hug the dog for a few moments.

Based in Spain.

This is Catsy.

Catsy is a very affectionate and playful cat, he is always with me working, sleeping, cooking, he likes to participate in everything I do. Sometimes he puts himself in front of the computer screen so that I can stop working, rest a little and be with him. I know that when I go on vacation he doesn't have a good time, he doesn't like to be alone or with anyone he doesn't know, so working at home for me has made our bond stronger and Catsy happier.

Based in Spain.

This is Leo.

He is not the most motivating co-worker (he mainly sleeps while I'm working) but he does check in on me throughout the day, even if just for cuddles. Having the freedom to work from home and to be able to flex my working hours around my personal life means that, if I want to, I can take him out for a long walk during lunchtime, soak in some rays and free some much-needed headspace, so that I can get back to work refreshed.

It also means I don't have to feel guilty for leaving him alone at home or rush back from the office to make sure he gets a walk. Have you ever looked for a dog sitter in London?! I found it more challenging than sorting childcare for my son. With remote work the line between work and free time can sometimes get a little blurry. Walking Leo at the beginning and end of my work day helps me to find that balance.

He may not be the most productive co-worker, but I think he is certainly the cutest.

Based in the UK.

This is Nala.

With the flexibility that work provides, it allows me to be able to look after Nala and walk her during the day. She seems sooo much happier now that I am around all the time! It's really helped my mental health being able to go for out nice walks during my lunch breaks as it helps to clear my head and have a break from the laptop! Oh, and she loves sitting on my table next to me whilst I work!

Based in the UK.

These are Miles & Missy.

They would prefer if I never left the house, so my work schedule suits them perfectly. They get all the stimulation and attention they need during the day, which means they have a great routine and sleep all night. Bring on summer when we can all soak up the sunshine in the garden together!

Based in the UK.

This is Holie.

Holie enjoys sunny Spring walks and sitting close to me when I have my lunch break, in case any food accidentally drops.

I love that I can go and say hi to her during the day, thanks to the flexibility I have at Form3.

She will usually be napping or relaxing on her designated dog-bed, but it’s so nice to see what she is up to; it’s a one-of-a-kind break from your screen!

Based in Spain.