Take Your Dog to Work

We’ve been celebrating Take Your Pets to Work Week for several days, and tomorrow happens to be put a spotlight on canines in the workplace! You can bet we’ll be participating at AVC, but how about you?  Before you predetermine the appropriateness (or inappropriateness) of having your loveable pooch join you in your workplace, let us help you make your case!

The Benefit

Research continues to suggest that companies who allow canine attendance in the workplace significantly reduce the stress of a work environment over those without dogs. But let’s break that down a little further for the sake of argument. 

–   A Positive Work-Life Balance: For some companies that have implemented a pet workplace policy, they’ve found the pets remind them to take breaks. The work hours pass quickly when employees are not tied too closely to a project for too long of a time. A temporary distraction with a little playtime or doggy walk provides a much-needed mental reprieve. 

–   Stress Reduction and Increased Productivity: With a happier work environment comes lower stress and negativity. A happier work environment also leads to better morale and communication between employees. Throw in a little four-legged tail-wagging, toothy grins, and ear-scratching and you’ve created a more positive workplace with opportunity for camaraderie and trust.  

–   A Healthier Way Forward: AVC touts a pet’s ability to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and calm you down, but has your employer seen that benefit as their advantage? The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative found that pet ownership is responsible for saving $11.7 billion annually in national healthcare costs. Healthy employees can reduce health insurance costs along with decreasing work absenteeism.  

Have a Plan

Perhaps your boss or supervisor is open to the idea now! Now what? Formulate a plan to give a new or temporary pet policy the best chance for success. 

–   Don’t Forget Your Officemates: Just because you have a sign-off from your boss doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make sure your co-workers shouldn’t be informed. They can be your best advocates for success and stand to benefit just as much as you. Some people may not share your love of canines as you do or may be allergic!

–   Puppy Proofing: Extend the thought process of puppy proofing you have at home to the office. Are there puppy-toxic plants or foods that should be addressed? How about chew hazards like electrical cords or wires? A doggie gate could be a good idea to limit their office footprint.

–   Arrive Pet Ready: Are you up to date on vaccinations? Make sure your pooch’s suitcase is packed for the day, too – a leash, food, treats, a bed. A clean and well-groomed pet will go a long way to helping your argument too.

–   A Help Not a Distraction: Remember you’re comfortable with your canine, but others aren’t. Don’t force socialization with other co-workers if they don’t want it. Pets still have the ability to cause too much distraction in the workplace and hinder productivity. Be aware of the balance needed to promote the benefit.

We can’t wait to hear your stories of your precious fur babies hard at work with you. Be sure to let us know all about it!