It’s a fact – with numerous independent studies to back this up – there are many benefits to having a pet-friendly (especially #dogfriendly) work environment.
Pets in the workplace can lower stress and absenteeism, increase morale and productivity, and can even improve relationships among co-workers, promoting team-bonding and team-building.
The Benefits Extend to Non-Dog Owners
A study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that – where dogs were present – stress declined over the course of a day for both employees who brought their dog to work as well as for non-dog owners, while it rose for dog owners who left their pups at home and for non-dog owners (in the last two cases, i.e. no dog present, stress levels were significantly higher by the end of the day than was the case for employees who brought their dog to work). This has been further backed up by research carried out by Central Michigan University.
Some well-known #dogfriendly brands
Dogs are allowed daily inside the offices of Google: “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture,” the company’s code of conduct says.
“We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out.”
Facebook, Amazon, and Ben & Jerry’s
Amazon even has dog biscuits available at the front desk and dog friendly water fountains scattered throughout the Seattle campus.
Zynga
At Zynga, which makes Facebook and mobile games, there is roughly one dog for every nine employees.
“Dogs have always been a part of Zynga culture. In fact, the company is names after one of our founder’s dogs – an American bull dog named Zinga” explained Colleen McCreary, Chief People Officer.
Zynga also provides dog food and pet insurance for dogs on campus. To top if off they also have a “barking lot” for bathroom breaks.
Nestlé
Through the Pets At Work (PAW) programme, led by Nestlé Purina, Nestlé Gatwick has become the first Nestlé HQ worldwide to become dog friendly.
The programme forms part of Nestlé’s Health and Wellbeing agenda, with a recent survey by Purina revealing staff are happier and healthier when able to take their pets to work.
Results also show 47 per cent of 18-24 year olds surveyed said that they view bringing a pet to work as a work perk.
The survey also identified the following benefits/ obstacles:
Top ten benefits pets bring to the workplace
- Happier and healthier staff (34%)
- Dogs get to spend more time with their owners (30%)
- Increased socialisation (28%)
- Encourage more physical activity (26%)
- Employees less likely to suffer from depression (20%)
- Dogs get to socialise with other dogs (18%)
- Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels (17%)
- Increased engagement and motivation (14%)
- Helps break the ice when talking to senior staff (10%)
- Helps break the ice when talking to an office crush (9%)
Top five obstacles preventing dog ownership
- Working hours (58%)
- Empty home for most of the day – the pet would be alone (51%)
- It is too expensive to own a dog (28%)
- Landlord does not allow pets (13%)
- Social life does not allow for owning a dog e.g. local bars and restaurants (9%)
Guest blog provided by www.WoofAdvisor.com. Helping pet lovers find pet-friendly Accommodation, Amenities & Pet Services.
