Who let the dogs in?
Why and how to become fur-friendly
Employee of the month
By Lauren Gatt
My 3-year old dog Duke emerged as a star in our panel discussion at the recent breakfast event "Can a Workplace be a Well Place?". While broader strategies were emphasized, we couldn’t help but notice the mood boost he brings to our workplace. Over the last couple of years it has become more common to bring pets into work, and it’s a serious attraction to younger workers who are increasingly choosing “furmilies” over families. In Australia, companies such as Google, CottonOn and Business Chicks have lead the charge in being fur friendly, and many other organisations are following suit for good reason. Evidence suggests that dogs in the office can improve retention, health, engagement and productivity (in addition to a variety of other positive business outcomes). I swear I’m not biased and that this is actual research (even though my pup is without dispute the cutest thing on earth and likely our surrounding planets).
When I bring Duke into the office, people become more energized after a 2-minute cuddle or taking him out for a 5-minute walk. He sleeps for most of the day, and it helps my focus and productivity knowing that he’s not alone and/or tearing my apartment to shreds. This is supported by data as well, with research finding that over the course of the day, stress declined for employees who brought their dog to work but increased for employees who either didn’t bring their pet into work or had no pets.
It does involve some planning, and you can’t be naïve about some very legitimate concerns and issues that can arise (health and safety, property damage, distractions, cultural considerations etc.) but with good communication and reasonable boundaries I’ve witnessed the positivity and benefits that can happen when dogs are around.
Top tips if you’re considering being fur friendly:
Consult with staff before approving the arrangement This will allow you to preempt potential issues early, and ensure everyone has had a say
Ensure the pet is a suitable candidate for your work environment Pets need to be well trained and meet the team properly . Having a trial day (or even a half day) when your workplace is quieter is a great way to see if the pet is a good fit for the office and introduce them to the space. Introducing your pet to your colleagues one by one (with the aid of treats and positive reinforcement) will also prevent your dog from becoming overwhelmed or overexcited, and ensure things start off on the right foot.
Regularly check in on how the arrangement is working for staff It’s important to be regularly checking in with staff in various ways to ensure that they are still happy with the specifics of the arrangement and that tails are still all wagging. It’s also important to acknowledge that it may be challenging for staff to speak up if they are uncomfortable with the arrangement, so have a point of contact or an anonymous way for staff to provide feedback safely
Have formal policies in place It’s important that responsibilities and parameters of the arrangement are clear, and it’s even better if they are written down (i.e. only on Fridays, not on days where clients are in the office, only if a certain amount of notice is given, only if the dog is regularly groomed etc.). Ensuring everything is pawthorized will prevent issues down the track.
Ensure the welfare of the dog is prioritized It’s critical that the needs of the pooch are able to be met in a work environment and that it isn’t distressed. Being honest about whether the physical space is appropriate and whether the dog is comfortable while at work should be discussed early on and regularly reviewed. Having a comfortable spot for your pooch that’s near you, water and some familiar toys can also help your dog settle in quickly.
I appreciate that I’m really lucky to work in a small team who are always up for a little puppy love, but I believe that pets make everything (including workplaces) better, and it’s impawtent to include them wherever we can.
References
1. Foreman, A. M., Glenn, M. K., Meade, B. J., & Wirth, O. (2017). Dogs in the workplace: a review of the benefits and potential challenges. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(5), 498.
2. Wells, M., & Perrine, R. (2001). Critters in the cube farm: Perceived psychological and organizational effects of pets in the workplace. Journal of occupational health psychology, 6(1), 81.