Dogs at the Office - Good for Dogs, People and Business
Dogs are such a huge part of our lives that many of us dream of having them come to work with us. Well, more and more companies are allowing dogs in the office and yours may be next.
Google Headquarters (Googleplex)
Part of an 11 picture Photo Essay of “Life in the Googleplex“, where Googlers are permitted to bring their dogs (but not cats) to the workplace.
Research has shown that having pets in the workplace reduces stress and increases the feeling of well-being. And that’s precisely why Relay Recruitment, a company in West Yorkshire brought in Rupert, a Cocker Spaniel. What management experienced was beyond their expectations. Rupert indeed helped with the post-holiday blues, but also encouraged 4 people to quit smoking and others to lose weight by going on walks during break. It worked out so well that “Bosses now plan to provide dogs for their staff in Leeds, Halifax and York.”
Kennel Space - (or Office Space?)
Rhonda Abrams at the Arizona Republic wrote ‘A Dog-Friendly Office Good for Workers, Pets‘ that illustrates how companies benefit by allowing dogs at work. The practice improves morale, employees are likely to work later, and the environment helps to attract and retain better employees.
“In my company, we indicate we’re a “dog-friendly workplace” in our help-wanted ads. That’s increased both the number and quality of applicants. And once someone gets used to bringing their dog to work, they’re less likely to leave. Even the delivery folks love the dogs. The UPS man, Paul, gives each dog a biscuit every day, so my dog Cosmo knows exactly what brown can do for him.”
Am I working by myself here?
So has your office made the jump? If not, they may need a bit of a nudge and that’s why Rhonda added her “Key to a Dog-Friendly Workplace“.
This includes a set of rules for all dogs, and considerations for people. A few are listed below:
• Enforce the NO Fleas rule
• 3 Strikes and You’re Out
• No Barking
• Keep a Supply of Antihistamine
• Thank Your Lucky Stars
