Yes, taking your dog to work has its own allocated day. No, they don’t need to wear a suit. Here’s the case to present to your boss for bringing your dog to work!
Global (22 June, 2023)—Celebrated annually on 23 June, Take Your Dog to Work Day is an exciting time to let your pets know where it is you disappear off to for hours of the day.
This coming Friday, employees are encouraged to bring their pooches to meet the ‘top dogs’ (or really, just have them around to make your work day ten times better).
But, did you know that there are actually a lot of benefits to bringing your doggo to work? Let’s get into them!
“Beyond the fun and initial excitement, there are numerous benefits to having dogs in the office environment,” says pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Marycke Ackhurst.
Ackhurst explains the positive impact dogs can have on productivity, employee well-being, and workplace morale, so much so that you’ll wonder why there aren’t allocated spaces just for dogs at work.
1. Stress Reduction and Increased Productivity
Having dogs at work can significantly reduce stress levels among employees!
Interacting with dogs has been proven to increase the production of oxytocin (the ‘feel-good’ hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone). This leads to a more relaxed and positive work environment, promoting better focus, concentration, and overall productivity. The presence of dogs can provide a natural source of stress relief during busy or challenging workdays.
2. Enhanced Workplace Positive Vibes
Dogs have an innate ability to bring people together. Their presence in the office encourages social interactions, fosters communication, and strengthens relationships among employees; even selflessness.
Sharing stories, playing with dogs, or taking them for walks can create a sense of camaraderie and boost morale. Employees get to feel more connected, which makes for a positive work culture.
3. Improved Health On All Fronts
The companionship of dogs offers several health benefits, both physical and mental.
Taking short breaks to play or walk with dogs can promote physical activity and combat the sedentary nature of office work. This can lead to increased energy levels, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of conditions such as obesity and heart disease. Additionally, interacting with dogs has been linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness, creating a healthier and happier work environment.
4. A Paw Up for Employee Retention and Attraction
A dog-friendly workplace can be an attractive perk for potential employees and contribute to higher employee retention rates for obvious, dog-loving reasons. Allowing dogs in the office demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and a progressive work culture.
It can also be particularly appealing to dog parents who find it challenging to leave their dogs at home for extended periods and for dogs that get distressed when their owners aren’t around.
However, despite the many positives that come with taking your dog to work, there are certain preparations that need to take place before you let the dogs out.
Here are a few guidelines to consider:
1. Check Company Policies
Understand any policies or restrictions regarding dogs in the workplace and don’t forget to obtain necessary approvals from management or human resources.
2. Create Dog-Friendly Zones
Designate specific areas where dogs can relax and explore. This could mean communal spaces where dogs can interact with people or designated dog-friendly zones with beds, toys, food and water. Make sure there’s nearby access to the outdoors so your dog doesn’t feel cooped up too. Importantly, you’ll want to create check in times to make sure your pooch isn’t getting too overwhelmed!
3. Dog Etiquette
Set guidelines for responsible dog parenting, including waste management, and potential vaccination requirements. Encourage fellow dog parents to bring essentials like food, water, toys, and bedding for the doggo zones so that your and any other dogs in the office are a happy pack.
4. Allergies and Nerve Considerations
It’s always important to be considerate of others, especially those who might have allergies or are nervous about dogs. Chat with the office before letting the dogs out and make sure everyone is happy with the idea. Similarly, you’ll want to make sure that there’s enough space for different dogs to potentially interact with each other!
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