So I’m on the hunt for woof-tastic businesses that encourage dogs in the workplace! I’ve decided my mama needs to take me to work so we can hang out more!
Are you a dog friendly employer? Tell me more about you…
It seems that the number of dog friendly companies in the UK are on the increase but where are the ones on my doorstep? And for me, are there ones in Yorkshire? I’d like to sniff out these canine friendly businesses that have a ‘pets at work’ policy in place for a four-legged friend like me.
What is a ‘pets at work’ policy?
I’ve ‘googled’ the subject and found it’s more common than I thought! Wait for it…(a long paws for dramatic effect!)…there is even an official UK ‘take your dog to work day’ on the 22ndJune. This annual nationwide event originally started in the UK in 1996, with one in five businesses now welcoming their loyal four-legged companions (like me), and with numbers on the increase – could the next one be yours?
Bring your dog to work day aims to raise funds for great doggy causes and you can read more about it here www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk – there is even a dog with a job hall of fame! #doglifegoals
The benefits of having us dogs at work…
Obviously, some of you clever humans already are aware of the benefits of having us loving creatures in the office and how we can be good for both the mind and the soul…
But don’t just take it from me. In March 2012 a US study published their findings on the effects that us dogs in the office had on employees of a retail business… I like a good retail business, particularly one that sells dog stuff for me (flick to visions of me dreaming of bones and beds and bouncy balls… sorry I got distracted …back to it!) So, guess what they found? They identified that us dogs have calming effects, reduce blood pressure, lower stress and make employees more cordial and productive. Doesn’t sound so barking to me!
And here are the reasons why…
It turns out that us pets:
- Trigger interactions between you humans that may not have happened without us. We’re great conversation starters (although, I prefer it when you talk to me than just about me!). Either way, talking is good! And I like to talk…or bark..or whine (but not at work where I’m strictly the professional!)
- Are a pro-active method of staying healthy and avoiding health issues – so go on, throw the dog a bone!
And playing with us:
- Can increase levels of stress-reducing hormones.
- Reminds you to ‘paws’ and take breaks whilst working long hours.
In short, having us dogs at work can help encourage a healthy work-life balance – we improve your job satisfaction, boost moral and employee performance – no more RUFF days!
Naturally, there are benefits for us dogs too, as a friendly work environment provides us with social interactions which we LOVE!
In summary, taking us to work is good for you, good for us and good for your employer. YAY! Everyone’s a WINNER! So, there you have it – people and pets are better together. Companies that accept us four-legged friends aren’t so barking!
Now who is up for having a cute, very friendly and hard-working black lab like me in the office? Employers and employees out there, get typing in the comments section below and tell me all about your PAWSOME dog friendly businesses…
Dylan 
The tails of Dylan 