Getting to bring your dog to workplace brings many benefits, including reducing stress, increasing social experiences, and making the overall work-life balance more enjoyable. The trend of allowing dogs in the workplace has been steadily growing, with many office environments adding this as yet another perk of working for their company.
Dogs as Stress-Reducers
It’s no surprise that dogs help us relieve stress. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that just petting a dog can help to lower the stress hormone cortisol. The American Heart Association also reports many other benefits of using dogs as stress relievers, including managing anxiety and increasing physical activity during the work day — both of which can protect your heart.
Many workplaces and universities are now employing comfort dogs to help reduce stress during tests, important projects, and more to help create a calmer, relaxed work environment. By bringing their dog to work, employees can benefit from many of the same stress-relieving qualities.
Dogs as Social Catalysts
While having a dog in the office can help reduce stress, it can also help increase social interactions and bonding. Who doesn’t love stopping off at a cubicle to pet a cute Golden Retriever or play fetch with a friendly Corgi? It can be a great way to interact with newer employees without the usual nerves and ice-breaker questions. Dogs are also great facilitators of group workplace activities. Setting up a weekly walk around the office block or doggie play session can allow for positive workplace interactions that don’t involve stressful topics.
Increased Employee Productivity
It may seem counterintuitive that dogs in the office can increase employee productivity. However, reducing stress and creating a calm, positive environment can have a net-positive effect on overall productivity. Many employees report that having their dog with them in the office improves focus — especially when they aren’t worried about their dogs being lonely or anxious at home. The lowered stress and increased workplace social cohesion can also make it easier for employees to collaborate and complete tasks.
Enhanced Workplace Atmosphere
Going to an office full of wagging tails and warm, wet noses is a perk almost anyone who loves dogs is sure to look forward to. This can help create a welcoming, inclusive workplace culture — and another benefit, making the office a place where employees want to go, rather than have to go. It’s a great way to stand out and offer another workplace morale boost.
Addressing Concerns and Implementing Policies
There are a few things to consider before opening up the workplace to our canine companions. The first is to address any concerns, such as pet-related allergies or fears of dogs that may cause problems for some employees.
It’s also a good idea to put some rules in place before implementing allowing dogs, such as any breed or size requirements and designated spots where it is OK to bring dogs, such as specific cubicles or communal spaces. In addition, it’s a good idea to implement checking vaccine records and making sure a dog is friendly around other dogs and people before allowing them in the office. And, if you run into any problems, having a plan in place to exclude or limit a dog’s activity in the office may also be beneficial.
Success Stories and Real-Life Examples
Many large companies are allowing dogs in the workplace. These include big names such as Amazon, Etsy, Glassdoor, Google, and more. These companies have seen several benefits across the board, and in offices where employees were allowed to bring their dogs, 86% reported greater workplace satisfaction and willingness to work harder.
Consider implementing this easy, fun policy in your workplace. Allowing dogs in the office can have many benefits for both pet parents and other employees in the company. By reducing stress and increasing positivity, you can create a work environment that will be enjoyed by all.
Interested in learning more about dogs at work? Check out these ways to dog-proof your office, or view some cute photos of dogs enjoying the workplace.
