Office dogs: An increasingly pup-ular choice?
Many of the UK’s most progressive businesses allow office dogs including BrewDog, Innocent Drinks, Amazon, Google, and Paperstone! More and more businesses are following suit.
During the pandemic, 3.2 million households welcomed a new pet, meaning there were 17 million pet-owning homes in the UK.
The Paperstone team has several canine friends, whether they own them personally, or pet-sit regularly. Below are some of our furry friends…
We’ve always been dog friendly at Paperstone HQ, starting with our beloved Ruby who sadly left us during the pandemic. She’s now enjoying chasing squirrels in the sky.
According to a Kennel Club article, 51% of people say that dogs improve morale and job satisfaction when allowing them in the office.
3 benefits of office dogs (although there are loads more).
Just in case you need a bit more convincing.
1. Dogs help reduce stress
Having a quick stroke or cuddle with a dog can instantly lift your mood and alleviate stress. In fact, it’s scientifically proven that that quick belly rub of a dog reduces our cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases our oxytocin (feel-good hormone) levels. It’s impossible for a wagging tail not to make you smile!
2. They improve well-being
Dogs force people to step away from their screens to take their canine friends for a quick toilet break or walk around the block at lunch. This means getting fresh air, which ultimately helps to improve concentration and focus during the working day.
The BACP (The British Association For Counselling And Psychotherapy) state that getting fresh air and natural light is hugely beneficial to mental well-being.
If your dog is good on a lead, how about a ‘dog walk meeting’ with a colleague? We all know how a change of scenery can improve energy and open up conversation.
3. Employee retention & attraction
Being a dog friendly office can help retain and/or attract new employees. With over 17 million pet households in the UK, it’s no wonder ‘dog friendly office’ is cropping up in prospective employee’s searches. It means your team have one less thing to worry about if they have a pup at home/in doggy-daycare.
3 challenges of office dogs to consider.
I guess we should be realistic – It’s not all paw-some (we know, hard to believe)… you need to consider the challenges before going dog friendly.
1. Health & hygiene isn’t just for the hoomans
Pet owners must take responsibility for their dog’s vaccinations being up to date and making sure they are free from fleas before bringing them into the office.
Owners need to check with their colleagues re any pet allergies or fear of dogs before bringing them in. A severe allergic reaction, or dog bite in the workplace could be hugely detrimental to a business, not just the affected colleague.
2. ‘Go wee wees’
Owners must be confident they know their dog’s toilet cues and can get them to a suitable place to toilet. No one wants to be cleaning the floor. Of course, be prepared for the odd accident but understand repeat ‘offences’ will result in your pup-45. If an accident does occur, we’ve got some products to help you clean up, and nobody has to know!
3. Sit. Wait…
A well trained and socialised dog is vital. Making sure your dog can be trusted to behave and is happy around other dogs and your team is vital. Some companies suggest a puppy probation period to make sure they settle, and the team are happy with them too. A constantly barking dog is just going to annoy everyone; dogs are meant to alleviate stress, not create more!
Ready to throw the ‘dog friendly office policy’ a bone?
February 20th is Love Your Pet Day, and what better day to bring your four-legged friends to work and see how you all get on. We’d love to see your office dog pics so please send them to hello@paperstone.co.uk or via our social pages.
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