5 advantages of taking your dog to work

Who doesn’t want to avoid having to be separated from their four-footed friend to go to work? There are still not many companies that have a pet friendly policy, but there are some. We tell you about the 5 main advantages.

At a time when many millennials are delaying having families to the extent that in Spain there are more dogs than small children, companies are realising that their policies on family living also have to adapt to new times and include the four-footed members of the home.

In some cases it would not be possible to allow dogs into the office due to serious allergies or strict standards, in the case of businesses that handle foods, for example. However, some companies have already discovered the benefits of encouraging a dog friendly atmosphere in which well behaved dogs are welcome. While in Spain you can count them on your fingers, in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States they are rather more frequent. The last of these is where the idea arose of celebrating World Take Your Dog to Work Day, which is set for 21 June. Uber, Airbnb and Amazon are some of the pet friendly enterprises.

The reception counters in all the office buildings of the enormous technology company Amazon (https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/how-much-does-amazon-love-dogs-just-ask-one-of-the-8-000-pups-that-work-here) keep a box full of treats for dogs and give them to anyone who asks. Also, in the building in Seattle, there is a terrace on the 17th floor designed exclusively so that the dogs can play and run about.

Here are the five main advantages of taking your dog with you when you go to work.

1. Dogs create a more tolerant and supportive atmosphere

According to a comparative study of 1,000 companies in the United Kingdom, a dog friendly policy also contributes to a collaboration culture in the company. Dogs in the workplace are an unexpected mechanism for connection and encourage socialization among colleagues. The employees meet every day in the lobbies and lifts. Thanks to their dogs they have a reason to open a conversation, get to know each other better and, perhaps, find friendship. When they have to work as a team, communication is easier.

2. They reduce stress among workers

Taking the dog to work can reduce stress and is good for job satisfaction among employees, according to an experiment carried out by Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) in a manufacturing business. The researchers compared workers who brought their dogs to work with those who left them at home and with others who don’t have dogs. For a week they compared their stress levels, their job satisfaction and their opinions on the company’s support and commitment. The result was convincing: the people who had dogs and could bring them to work were less stressed and were also more motivated because they understood that the company was thinking about them.

In any case, every dog lover will agree that day-to-day problems often seem less important when your border collie greets you with his tail wagging happily or you can pat your dachshund for a while.

3. They promote creativity and productivity

Dogs need to go out and their owners need to take breaks regularly. What better than having your happy and much loved friend remind you that you need to take a break and move about a bit, to interrupt the long hours you spend sitting still in a sedentary job? Those brief moments are much recommended because they alleviate visual fatigue, improve concentration and, therefore, productivity.

4. They attract new talent

Young professionals adore their dogs and look for more dynamic job situations with a positive atmosphere. An office that accepts pets means that the corporate culture in the organization is informal, tolerant and centred on the employees. As a result those companies can be more selective in taking on new people, since a larger group of applicants for the job means a great opportunity for finding new talent.

5. The dogs too are happier

Obviously, if you take him with you to the office, your dog will not suffer anxiety due to separation, since he will not be left alone at home for long periods of time, particularly if he is a puppy. In the office he will be loved and in good company.

How to get this initiative going in your company 

That your company does not allow dogs today does not mean that the policy can’t be changed. Here are some suggestions to help you persuade your boss to let you bring your dog to the office with you:

• Ask your colleagues. Do a small survey to see how many colleagues would be interested in bringing their dogs to work. Incidentally, you will also find out how many are dead against it. They object because the dogs bark, they aren’t tied up and can be uncontrolled or because they are badly behaved (which has to be borne in mind because it might be true). Above all, you can identify positions where there are people who have allergies, so as to establish a protocol.
• Work out rules and protocols. Identify open areas suitable for walking dogs close to the office. Also, find inside spaces that can be kept free of dogs (such as toilets, rest rooms and dining rooms, for example).
• Ask for a trial period. Apply for a test period to demonstrate that your workplace can be pet friendly and that it is beneficial to the company. A week is long enough to give the dogs an opportunity to adapt, relax and become good workmates at the office.