Why You Should Consider Having Dogs in the Office

Imagine if bringing your dog to work day was everyday… It’s been proven that having dogs in the office brings a whole range of benefits to your team, including a boost in employee morale (but seriously, who wouldn’t want to hug cute dogs all day?!)

While there are many benefits to bringing your furry friend to work, there are some other things to take into consideration. Here’s everything you need to think about having dogs in the office.

What can having dogs in the office do for us?

Not only are dogs one of the cutest animals (we may be a little biased!), but they also make great little workmates. Some of the major benefits to having dogs in the office include:

Boost in employee morale and productivity Office dogs can help boost employee morale and productivity. Maria-Jose Enders, an expert in human and animal relationships, said “It’s definitely good for the work atmosphere to have a dog in the office. Not only does your cortisol level drop when you stroke a dog, but you also produce more of the hormone oxytocin, which makes you feel happier and more relaxed.” Seeing a dog bounce up to you first thing in the morning is enough to make anyone smile and feel good!

Dogs can also help boost productivity in the office. While you may think it’s distracting to have a dog in the office, they can actually increase efficiency as they are a great reminder for employees to take necessary breaks and step back from stressful projects. Taking this break will leave employees feeling refreshed and ready to jump back into tasks.

Encourages exercise How many of us in office jobs spend all day at our desk, eating lunch at our computers and barely getting up for the whole day? Having dogs in the office encourages us to get up and do some exercise, whether it’s just to stretch our legs or go for a longer walk. You’ll need to take dogs out to go to the toilet multiple times throughout the day and depending on the breed, they may need to go outside for some exercise at lunchtime. If the owner of the dog is occupied, this gives other employees a reason to get up from their desks. Walking meeting anyone?

Promotes workplace bonding If you work in a large office, chances are you don’t know everyone in each department. Having a dog around can spark a conversation with someone you may never have otherwise spoken to. Picture this: you’re walking down past a department you’re not involved with, and you see a ball of fluff looking out at you. This is the perfect icebreaker to talk to the owner and get to know someone new.

Attracts future talent Many people would be over the moon to work in a place with dogs, so having this as an incentive may attract future talent to your office. Numerous studies have shown that a dog-friendly office can work in favour of prospective employers, attracting talent pools that place significant value on being able to bring their favourite paw pal to work. It will also help those who may not be able to leave their dog at home alone and can’t afford to send their dog to daycare.

Helps lower stress levels If you’re in the middle of a stressful task, or have just had a negative dealing with someone, taking a break to pat a dog or go for a quick walk around the block can help to reduce your stress levels. Studies show employees who brought their dogs to work showed lower stress hormone levels when compared to those who didn’t. They also showed significantly higher stress levels on the days their dog wasn’t around.

They encourage taking breaks Whether it’s a pat break, toilet break, or walk around the block, dogs encourage you to get up out of your seat and take your eyes off the computer. This will help employees to function at an optimal level and reset their brains.

It benefits the dogs While it’s good for employees, it’s also good for the dogs! Bringing your dog to work can help socialise them, rather than them being left home alone all day. At work, they are spoiled with pats and attention, as well as exposure to other dogs, so it’s a great way to combat their separation anxiety – even if it’s only a day or two each week.

What are some things to consider?

There are so many positives to having dogs in the office. However, there are some things to consider when it comes to allowing furry friends in the workplace.

Allergies and other concerns Before bringing your dog into work, it’s important to speak to other employees about their comfort level with having a dog around. Some people may feel uncomfortable having a dog around and others may be allergic. These factors may disrupt others throughout their workday, so it’s crucial to do what everyone feels comfortable with.

Level of training How well behaved your dog is, is another thing to consider. Are they properly toilet trained? Do they get on well with strangers? Will they chew things they shouldn’t? Having a well-behaved dog will be a factor in whether it’s suitable to bring into the office. If your dog isn’t well trained, there’s the potential to distract other employees (and yourself!) too much from your work. If your dog is highly anxious, it may also not be a great idea to bring them into a foreign, potentially stressful environment.

The health of your dog If you have an office where there are multiple dogs present, consider the health of your own dog. Ensure your dog is currently healthy so they don’t potentially spread any infections. Keeping them up to date with their vaccinations may also be a requirement set by employers.

The office environment While there are some strong positive arguments for bringing a dog into the office, it may not be a suitable option for some workplaces. If there are lots of cords around that they can trip on, fragile objects they can break, or nowhere outside for them to go to the toilet, your office environment may not be quite right.

Having dogs in the office makes for a boost in employee morale and productivity, as well as a whole host of other benefits. If you have dogs in your office, chances are you’re going to get some hair on you. The Fashion Biz Canada range consists of pieces that are easily washable and can get rid of hair quickly. Visit your closest distributor today.