Dogs in the Workplace
Friday June 23rd is
Take your dog to work day!
Workplaces offer all kinds of benefits and perks to attract potential employees. It’s not uncommon these days for offices to have a fully stocked kitchen, offer employees flexible work hours, a gym, even rest and relaxation areas. Employers are taking notice of the benefits by allowing staff to bring their dogs into the office, not just one day of the year, but each and everyday!
What are the benefits of dogs in the workplace?
What are the cons of dogs in the workplace?
Benefits of dogs in the workplace:
- Employee moral and productivity is up.
- Decrease in employee stress levels that could result in fewer days off.
- Employees may be open to staying later, putting in longer hours without the added worry of a dog that has been home all day and needs tending to.
- A relaxed and family-like workplace.
- Healthier staff – having to get up from that desk, go outside and have a walk around with their dog.
- Financially beneficial to employees. No added cost of dog walkers or doggie day care fees.
- Happier staff!
- Happier dogs!
Cons:
- Co-workers and visitors to the business may not be comfortable with dogs.
- Staff or visitors with allergies.
- Workplace environment that is not suitable or safe for dogs.
- Liability
I’m fortunate that I work from home and can have my dog Edie with me. I don’t have the added stress and worry of making sure someone is available to let her out, take her for a walk, or wonder who will feed her on time. I’m happier, relaxed, and more productive in my job. I can’t speak for my Edie, but I’m sure she’s more relaxed and happier as well.
My questions to you are:
- Would your decision of accepting a job offer be based on whether you could take your dog with you or not?
- Is there anything you would add to the list of benefits or cons of dogs in the workplace?
June 22, 2017
I don’t have a dog but I would totally love working at a place that allowed it. I love animals more than people! I think as long as the dog has been used to being around people and comfortable it should be fine. Also, I think for health reasons dogs should have updated shots and flea treatment as to help keep a healthy and clean work environment. Other than that, I’d welcome it. I think the only additional con I could forsee as an employer would be an added liability in the event someone gets bitten or something happens to the dog.
June 22, 2017
I agree that any pet that goes into the workplace should be healthy and be up to date on all vaccinations and treatments, for the protection of other dogs/pets and of course the humans that come in contact with them. I did add the liability issue to my list because as an employer myself, this would be something I would have to take into consideration in case of any incident that could possibly happen whether it be between the dogs in the workplace or the dog/humans in the workplace.
June 22, 2017
I can’t imagine working without my dogs! I have been blessed to pick a career that it’s normal to take them along, but I am so pro the benefits of having an animal in a work place! As long as it’s safe to do, I love the idea!
June 22, 2017
Lucky you! Lucky dogs!
June 21, 2017
There was no way I would be allowed to take my pets to work when I worked in the government environment. There were a couple of times I took my cat to the university with me when I was a professor, but she wasn’t too comfortable in the environment.
June 22, 2017
My cats wouldn’t be comfortable either, they are social but only in their own environment. Now I have been to government offices before, and it’s just my opinion, but I think this is one office that could definitely benefit from having an “office” dog 😉
June 21, 2017
I love this post! I’m do much happier working from home w/ my dogs right there w/ me, it’s a great lifestyle. I wish more employers would allow them in the workplace! Another benefit is that w/ a dog you’re seen as more approachable so colleagues are more likely to interact & ask each other for help when needed. You can create a relationship through your dog.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
June 22, 2017
Thank you so much! I believe more employers are coming to understand the benefits of dogs in the workplace – at least I hope they are. And I couldn’t agree with you more about being more approachable! Just think about when we go on a walk with our dog and the people that approach and talk to you just because you have a dog with you. Do you think you would stop and speak to someone on the street that didn’t have a dog? I bet not!
June 21, 2017
I love having my dogs with me (I also blog from home.) Sometimes though they can really distract me with their barking. We have a raccoon and her 4 babies hanging out in the trees in our yard. My dogs are not happy about this latest development at all!
June 22, 2017
I can certainly relate to raccoons! We have a family of raccoons living in our trees as well, but they come out at night so I have to be careful when Edie goes out into the garden. Now if you want to talk about being distracted with barking, lets talk squirrels!
June 21, 2017
Being able to bring Mr. N would be a definite perk. Sadly, my current workplace does not allow dogs.
June 22, 2017
I bet Mr. N would think it would be a big perk too!
June 21, 2017
My dogs [and myself] were always lucky. I work from home so every day is “take your dog to work” day with me 🙂 I can’t imagine having to go to work somewhere and having to leave my dog(s) behind any more.
June 22, 2017
I have been very spoiled – so has my dog 😉 because I work from home. I imagine it would be a big transition for both humans and pets if we had to work away from home and leave out pets behind.
June 21, 2017
My work is very flexible and allows us to bring our pets. I wouldn’t bring them everyday, but I do from time to time.
June 22, 2017
You’re very fortunate that you can bring pets into your workplace. Is there a reason you don’t bring them everyday?
June 21, 2017
Your preaching to the choir! We own a funeral home and encourage our employees to bring their pets to work. I’ve brought all 3 of my dogs to work for the last 15 years. One was a therapy dog and had free range and wasn’t limited to the offices. Employee morale is higher and stress decreases. So yes, it’s a big deal at our place.
June 22, 2017
Well done to you as an employer for allowing dogs into the workplace! I can imagine that having a dog in a funeral home would be a great comfort to people when they need it most.
June 21, 2017
I too work from home, so I get to to enjoy my work day surrounded by all my furries all the time! It’s the best! However, up until last year, I had a regular job. I WISH we had been allowed to bring our pets! I actually did bring my sugar gliders one day, though no one every knew. They are easy to sneak places because they sleep in a little pouch that looks like a purse. Very inconspicuous 🙂 I certainly wouldn’t turn down a job because I couldn’t bring my pet with me, but if there was a job that would allow it, that would probably make me want to take it more! I could see that pets could possibly be distracting in the workplace. But I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons!
June 21, 2017
My sister brought her dog to work with her everyday until management put a stop to that (it was not really allowed and she used the excuse of her being an emotional support animal). I think dogs can be a distraction to some, but I’ve had the opportunity to work in businesses with dogs on site and I can say it certainly made for a better working environment.
June 21, 2017
Great post. I’ve been self-employed for 20 years now, all of my adult, dog parenting life. Yes, it would make a big difference. I wouldn’t want to spend 6 or more hours a day away from my dog. So, if the hours were long, he’d have to be able to come. 😉
June 21, 2017
I would add the ‘social aspect’ to the Pros list. The building I work in is full of people and I only see a handful of them. If people are up walking and stretching with their dogs everyone is well socialized!
Would LOVE to work with my dogs!
June 22, 2017
Great addition to the list of Pros! It’s interesting how we can work with people each and everyday and not really know them. Of course it would not only be the humans that are well socialized, but our dogs as well!
June 21, 2017
I had the pleasure of being able to take my Zeus to work with me when he was a pup… and that was wonderful! Wish I could bring one of the Lapdogs to my office now, but not going to happen.
June 22, 2017
Taking a puppy into work would most likely help with being on top of potty training, however, I’m not sure how much work would get done because everyone would want to gush over the puppy 😉
June 21, 2017
Since I don’t have a dog, my decision on taking a job would’t take that into consideration. BUT…. if an organization did allow dogs at work it would definitely sway me in their direction. I would LOVE it if my current job allowed dogs at work. It would make my day.