Take Your Dog to Work Day is a celebration of the modern day bond between canines and their humans. This celebration first occurred in 1996 in the UK and in 1999 in the USA. This day celebrates all dogs and inspires adoptions from shelters and rescue organizations.
With so many people working from home as COVID changed our daily routines; dogs got used to have their humans home. As a result, many executives have seen the positive impact pets can play in day-to-day productivity and are considering converting their offices into pet-friendly work environments as people make their way back into the workplace. That’s good news for dogs and their humans.
Major companies such as Amazon, Trupanion, Petsmart, Airbnb, Google, Etsy, and Uber have had dogs in-house for years now, and it’s easy to see the positive effects it has had on the workplace and company culture. Listed below are five benefits of dogs in the workplace.
REDUCE STRESS: The effect a pet can have on employee mental health is even more profound than you may think. Simply petting a dog is scientifically proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, increase levels of the hormone oxytocin, and reduce blood pressure.
PROMOTE COLLABORATION: Having dogs in an office help offset the need for team-building sessions by encouraging employees to bond over their pets. Whether they are sharing their favorite hiking trails, treats, tips, or taking afternoon walks; employees have plenty to share. In addition, people are less concerned about racing home after work or during a break to care for their pet and more focused on completing tasks in the workplace.
ATTRACT TOP TALENT: A dog-friendly work environment is an ideal perk for many pet parents. They will not have to worry about expensive doggie daycare, dog walkers or having to leave your pup at home alone for hours! The value employees place on this benefit can’t be understated, as “87% of polled employers saying being dog-friendly helps them attract and retain more talent.” Making the workplace dog-friendly can often be the difference for prospective employees considering a new job.
INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY: Due to their inherent ability to reduce stress, elevate moods, and bring employees together; dogs increase productivity in the workplace. In fact, in a 2008 study showed that pet ownership was more effective than medication in regulating hypertension while performing demanding cognitive tasks. A mentally and physically relaxed workforce means fewer mistakes, higher productivity, and increased focus.
PET SOCIALIZATION: Dog-friendly workplaces benefit both humans and dogs. Being around humans (other than their parents) helps dogs build confidence and develop healthy responses to new situations. Regular interaction with people or pets is a form of positive reinforcement that demonstrates to pets that new experiences don’t have to be scary. This benefits the dog in and out of the office!
In the end, dog-friendly work environments foster creativity, communication, and productivity. They also provide employees with a built-in stress-reducer that directly benefits their health and well-being.
While there are certain guidelines you’ll need to develop before creating a dog-friendly office, the benefits are well worth the effort. With successful companies such as Amazon, Google, and Etsy being dog-friendly, it’s clear that educated business leaders are buying into the benefits of four-legged coworkers.
Related: CBD Treats to relax your canine companion while you are at work.