EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAVING AN OFFICE DOG
Thinking of allowing dogs into your office? Research tells us that would probably make some of your team members very happy indeed.
According to a 2021 survey by the recruitment agency People2people, almost 75% of Australian workers said they would enjoy having some canine co-workers.
Many Aussie professionals are feeling stressed during the transition back to the office. Add to that long overtime hours, the demands of clients across every timezone and increased pressure to perform, and you may find your staff are suffering more than usual.
The good news is many studies have shown us that office dogs tend to ease workplace stress, increase productivity and lead to higher job satisfaction.
Worth thinking about, isn’t it?
In this article we’ll cover the benefits of bringing furry friends into the office, take a look at office dogs and productivity, which breeds make the best office dogs and also show you some jobs with a dog-friendly office.
Plus, we’ll go through the things you need to consider before jumping in. Let’s get started.
BENEFITS OF AN OFFICE DOG
The benefits of an office dog are about as plentiful as your pooch’s welcome-home kisses. (But less slobbery, of course.)
1. IMPROVE EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH
Fatigue, brain fog and anxiety are all symptoms of chronic stress. It makes sense that if you can help your workers feel less stressed they’ll enjoy better mental health and perform better at work.
Studies have found that having a dog-friendly office can help you do just that. It turns out that tummy rubs and ear scratches aren’t only good for our doggos.
A study conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that spending just a few minutes patting a dog helps your body release happy hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. Together, these hormones are known to make you feel relaxed, reduce your stress and improve your mood.
Oxytocin is especially powerful. Known as the love hormone, it affects overall health, sociability and trust. So, if a brief break in the office with a four-legged friend gets that oxytocin flowing, it can promote better team dynamics and higher productivity.
A National Institute for Occupational Safety study also found that workplaces who welcome office dogs enjoy higher morale and productivity as well as lower absenteeism.
So the science is in, the benefits of an office dog to your employees’ mental health include:
- lowered stress
- improved mood
- better concentration
- more effective team interaction.
2. OFFICE DOGS CONTRIBUTE TO A WELCOMING, HEALTHY OFFICE CULTURE
When workers feel dread, stress or anxiety while doing their job, they’re not going to enjoy being in the office very much. And they won’t invest in their workmates or projects as thoroughly either.
But if their employer pays attention to their needs, and—amongst other things—allows office dogs to join the crew? Well, that changes the culture of the company. Company culture is fundamental to today’s job market, and is often cited as a top consideration for prospective employees.
Creating a culture that’s welcoming, productive and inclusive of dogs contributes to a healthy, positive culture and workplace.
3. RECRUIT TOP TALENT
Finding the right person for your team can be hard, can’t it? It’s made even harder by a competitive and disrupted job market. Imagine you have your eye on one particular candidate who interviewed really well and seems to really get your vision.
But that person takes up a role somewhere else, where they can bring their newly adopted rescue pup who needs some extra TLC. Sometimes a dog-friendly office is the deciding factor.
If you’d like to attract and retain more top talent, going the extra mile to create a really appealing workplace can make all the difference. Extra perks like pet insurance and on-campus dog parks can give you the competitive edge.
4. OFFICE DOGS CAN INCREASE JOB SATISFACTION
Research found that workers who can bring their dogs to work reported higher levels of job satisfaction and had a more positive view of their employer. In other words, it makes for happier and more loyal employees.
This makes a lot of sense to us. If you’ve ever had a dog, you’ll know just how good it feels to know you’re giving them the very best, waggy-tailed kind of life. And if your workplace is supporting you to do that? Well, that’s going to make you pretty pleased.
5. DOGS IN THE OFFICE IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY
There’s no doubt that introducing dogs into the office is going to be disruptive at first. But you can be reassured. Research found after the initial distraction, dog-friendly workplaces actually enjoyed higher levels of productivity.
Another study showed that the presence of a pet was associated with better mental performance. Study participants also showed lowered physiological reactions under stress. In other words, those autonomic responses like heart and breathing rates stayed lower during stressful events.
It seems that having your much-loved doggo by your side can be a pretty powerful thing. And introducing an office dog could help your team get the job done with focussed energy. Dogs in the office for productivity? It gets the big tick of approval from us.
In that case, which types of dogs should you consider?
WHAT DOGS MAKE THE BEST OFFICE DOGS?
While we can’t play favourites—every doggo has potential to boost morale and decrease stress—there’s no doubt that some dogs are better suited to an office and lazy days inside.
- Well socialised dogs, who are friendly and enjoy the company of other people and other dogs.
- Dogs that are trained to follow and respond to basic obedience commands: sit, stay, drop etc.
- Dogs that are not too rambunctious and would rather happy keep their owner company in a bed next to their desk or who enjoy keeping themselves entertained for periods of time
- Dogs accustomed to spending time indoors and are house trained (be prepared for accidents as even the most well trained can get a little disoriented by a large office space)
- Dogs who are up to date with vaccinations, routine flea, work and tick prevention treatments
JOBS WITH A DOG-FRIENDLY OFFICE
REAL PET FOOD CO
We may be biased, but we reckon joining the team at Real Pet Food Co makes for one of the best jobs anywhere with a dog-friendly office. Just ask our four-footed furry teammates.
Our office has been a doggy haven for the past 6 years and we’ve enjoyed the company of many breeds including; Labradors, Dalmatians, Cavoodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Boston Terriers, Wolfhound Crosses, Whippets, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Kelpies, Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Dachshunds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Greyhounds.
We couldn’t talk about jobs with a dog-friendly office without giving a shout-out to Google. It’s one of the most dog-friendly workplaces in the world. An entire section of Google’s Employee Code of Conduct is dedicated to a positive attitude towards dogs, and the Sydney office is no exception.
Google has a comprehensive pet policy that outlines several rules the doggos and their owners need to stick to. And we think that this is key to making it work so well.
CANVA
An Aussie digital superstar, there’s now even more reason to join the Canva team. Their office dog creds are impressive. The internationally successful company is still headquartered in Sydney and is consistently named one of the best workplaces in Australia. As an employee you can enjoy flexible working hours, chef-prepared meals, free gym and yoga memberships and lots more. Of course, you can also bring your furry mates to work with you.
LEGALVISION
LegalVision is not your typical law firm. Clients subscribe for fixed-fee, simplified online legal services. It’s not surprising then that this industry disruptor is unconventional in other ways too.
A casual dress code and working won’t be any problem when you nab a role with them. Nor will bringing your dog to the office. Your lucky boy or girl might even make doggy friends as they enjoy being crowned Happiness Officer. Check out the Sydney HQ insta page for regular updates on its canine co-workers.
MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY
Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) has long made the list of dog-friendly workplaces. MTC is a good one one to consider for the creatives amongst us. Office staff, stage crew, creatives and actors all enjoy having their pups along for the day (or night), and your pup gets backstage view to some of Australia’s best live shows
COTTON ON
One of Australia’s most iconic retailers is also one its most dog friendly. Aussie HQ is based in Geelong, Victoria and there are eight offices around the country. So if you’ve got some retail notches in your belt and would like to bring your pupper with you, Cotton On might be a good first stop. Check out the #DogsOfCottonOn instagram hashtag to see these fashionable doggos hard at work.
VINOMOFO
Vinomofo is like that ultra-cool friend who we all adore but are also slightly jealous of. Daily wine tastings and mega fun company culture? Yes, please. The Melbourne-based kings and queens of wine delivery are also decidedly pet friendly. And as a great example of the appeal of a dog-friendly office, Vinomofo team members regularly list this as a top office perk.
WHAT TO ASK YOUR STAFF BEFORE INTRODUCING DOGS INTO THE OFFICE
There’s no denying workplace pets can have a significant impact on your team, for better and sometimes for worse. Make sure you consult everyone who will be affected, and if need be allow them a private space to air their feelings (you can even make it anonymous).
Remember that no matter the wonderful benefits, there can also be drawbacks to having an office dog or two.
- There can be toileting accidents and some dogs temperaments of behaviours may not be suited to the office environment.
- Some people may find them distracting, hurting productivity levels.
- Some of your staff may suffer allergies.
- Some people may not be comfortable being around dogs or they may have a genuine fear or phobia of dogs (Cynophobia), which could have stemmed from a traumatic experience. It is important to ensure that all staff have the opportunity to express their feelings or opinions in a safe or even anonymous forum.
HOW TO SET YOUR OFFICE UP FOR DOGS
Once you’ve established that your team is happy, it’s time to start planning. You’ll need to bring in a considered pet policy that takes into account everything specific to your company and your team. So what does this mean?
SET CLEAR RULES
You’ll need to set clear rules about dogs in the office, and develop a clear policy to ensure owners understand their responsibilities. As a starting point, it is best that Canine co-workers are up to date with their vaccinations, other routine parasiticides, are house trained and feel comfortable with other people and animals and when separated from their owner. Make it clear that dogs who may have unpredictable behaviour or aggression towards people or other dogs, unwell pets, and loud or hyperactive animals will not be allowed.
You may also like to set a limit for how many dogs are allowed in each day, or set up a shared roster document once you work out which dogs prefer to be the sole dog in the office, or if you find out some dogs don’t get along as well with certain other canine co-workers.
STOCK UP ON TREATS
Make your dog feel more comfortable while visiting by bringing some comforts from home including their bed, blankets, toys or treats.
While in the office dogs can get a little bored, keep them entertained with some toys from home that they enjoy playing with (just be sure to avoid the squeaky toys!).
Having a supply of their favourite treats on hand can also ensure they are rewarded for their good behaviour. A long lasting Chew treat can also keep them busy and relaxed while you focus on important tasks.
CLARIFY NO-GO ZONES
It’s important to have spaces where the dogs aren’t allowed. You might ban them from meetings, for example. Also consider a rotating schedule so that the office doesn’t have too many dogs at once.
BE SURE ABOUT YOUR LIABILITY
Always check your insurance policy. Most general policies don’t include animals in the office, however most commercial property insurance does cover damage caused by pets.
PLAN FOR PROBLEMATIC PETS
Even the most friendly and affectionate dogs are ultimately unpredictable, especially in new environments. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go. Consider a three-strikes policy for animals who don’t behave appropriately.
OVER TO YOU
Hopefully this article has helped you clarify your thoughts on bringing canine companions into your workplace. Office dogs have shown themselves time and again to bring big benefits to a workplace. If this has inspired you to take the leap, please share your progress with us and even a picture of your own hairy Happiness Hero.
WRITTEN BY
Ivory Coat
All articles are written by Ivory Coat's Pet Nutritionist. If unsure always consult your trusted veterinarian.
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