Dog-Friendly Offices: Why More Businesses Are Going Pet-Friendly
Scott Kalapos on Aug 9, 2024
In recent years, dog-friendly offices have gained significant traction. What was once considered unconventional is now a growing trend. Businesses across all different industries are beginning to open their doors to four-legged friends. With studies showing benefits to allowing dogs in the workplace, dog-friendly offices are proving to be a win-win for both employees and employers.
Why Businesses Are Embracing Dog-Friendly Policies
ASPCA (opens in a new window) partnered with science research journal Frontiers to report that nearly 1 in 5 American households adopted a pet (opens in a new window) during the pandemic. When the call came to go back into the office, the worry about pet care, amongst other things weighed on formerly remote employees. The shift toward dog-friendly offices is part of a broader movement to create a more supportive workplace environment for employees.
Companies continue to try to attract and retain top talent, and they’re recognizing the importance of employee well-being and work-life balance. Here’s why businesses are making the switch:
1.Talent Attraction & Retention
Allowing employees to bring their dogs to work helps alleviate the stress of leaving pets at home alone and can make long workdays more manageable. Employees who are allowed to bring their pets to work often report higher levels of job satisfaction (opens in a new window) too. Knowing that their company supports their needs as pet owners can build a sense of loyalty and appreciation, meaning lower turnover rates (opens in a new window).
Unique perks like a dog-friendly office can set a company apart. As of 2024,the American Pet Products Association (opens in a new window)reports that 66% of US households own a pet, a dog-friendly policy can attract a candidate who is choosing between job offers. Potential employees are increasingly looking for workplaces that prioritize their well-being and offer benefits that align with their lifestyle.
2. Mental Health Initiatives
Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can reduce stress levels (opens in a new window). Having dogs in the office creates a calming atmosphere, helping employees to unwind and manage their workloads more effectively. The presence of dogs can instantly lift spirits and create a positive, upbeat environment too. This boost leads to increased productivity and a more cohesive team dynamic.
3. Promoting Physical Activity
Dogs need regular walks, which naturally encourages employees to stand up and take breaks. Short breaks to take the dog outside can rejuvenate employees. Getting fresh air improves focus and creativity when they return to their desks.
4. Team Building and Collaboration
Team building activities like company picnics or office parties only happen occasionally throughout the year. Walking a dog during breaks can also lead to increased social interaction and bonding among employees. When your staff forms stronger relationships, you’ll have a more connected and collaborative workplace.
Dogs are also great conversation starters, helping to break the ice between colleagues who may not interact regularly. A dog-friendly policy can contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture. It shows that your company values flexibility
5. Reducing Absenteeism
Employees are less likely to take time off when they know they can bring their pets to work. This can lead to fewer days missed, especially when Fido needs to be monitored. While having dogs in the office seems like it may be a distraction, it can actually increase productivity. The presence of a pet can help employees stay focused and reduce the likelihood of burnout by providing brief, restorative breaks.
6. Enhancing Brand Image
A dog-friendly policy can, both internally and externally, make people view your company as forward-thinking, compassionate, and employee-focused. All these qualities can translate into potential clients and top talent for your business.
Send a strong message to the public that your organization is committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment. A dog-friendly office is a natural extension of your brand’s values for innovation, inclusivity, and employee well-being.
How to Implement a Dog-Friendly Policy
The benefits of a dog-friendly office are clear, but when you decide you want to open your workplace to dogs and other companion animals, it’s important to do so with care. A well-thought-out policy will make everyone, dogs included, safe and comfortable.
Set Clear Guidelines
Establish rules for bringing dogs to the office. We strongly suggest including vaccination requirements, behavior expectations, and designated areas for pets. Depending on the size of your office, you may consider a limited number of pets in the office per day. Sign-up sheets can help everyone in the office know when to expect which dogs. Clear guidelines help everyone involved, including staff that are not pet owners or choose not to bring their pets to the office. .
Create Pet-Free Zones
Understand that not everyone has the same love for dogs. Some people may have had unfortunate experiences with dogs or have never spent time around companion animals. Caring for the well-being of your employees extends to all employees, not just dog owners.
To accommodate employees who may have allergies or are not comfortable around dogs, designate certain areas of the office as strictly pet-free zones. Make sure the entrances and exits to and from these areas are easy to navigate away from pets.
Provide Pet Amenities
Add to your office amenities by having goodies available for the furry friends. The breakroom is full of snacks and beverages for the humans, so it only makes sense to get treats for the pups too.
Did you know that you can get branded pet merchandise for your pet-friendly office? At 4AllPromos we can customize your pet-themed office amenities. We carry a variety of pet products that you can give your employees as company swag or hand out to the public to spread awareness about your pet policies.
Some of our favorite promotional pet products to have in the office include:
Pet Bowls
Just like promotional coffee mugs and branded cutlery, office dogs need a way to eat and drink during the day. Add your logo to food and water dishes to use at the office or at home.
Custom Logo Pet Treats
Treats are a necessity because we all know that office dogs are very good dogs. Keep treats fresh and in stock with individual branded bags of Zagasnacks Dog Bones for your breakroom supplies.
Pet Food Can Lids
Can lids are often overlooked, but if you’re feeding your pet at the office, a can lid will help preserve the unused portion and keep the odors from the food at bay while it’s being stored.
Poop Bag Dispensers
By providing poop bags and the dispensers for your staff you make it easier to ensure waste gets picked up and properly disposed of. They’re products that will be used constantly too, whether at the office or walking through the neighborhoods at home.
Collars and Leashes
You can add your logo to collars and leashes for the office pups so that they have their own little “uniforms”. Employees wear custom logo polos or promotional jackets, but when your logo is added to a dog collar or leash, it will catch the attention of everyone who can’t resist a cute canine.
Frisbees, Tennis Balls, & Rope Toys
Give employees and their dogs fun toys to keep them happy on breaks and throughout the day. We carry a selection of dog toys that can be used indoors or outdoors. We do suggest refraining from squeaky toys in the office. They are fun for outside but can become a distraction during the workday.
Communicate Openly
Regularly communicate with employees about the pet policy. The reason for opening the office to dogs is to make employees happier at the office. Checking in and gathering feedback allows you to make adjustments as needed for the well-being of all the members of your staff. Open communication helps address any concerns and keeps the environment positive at work.
Paws and Productivity Go Hand in Paw
Dog-friendly offices are more than just a passing fad, they’re a reflection of the evolving workplace landscape. As remote employees begin to head back to the office, employers can show they care about their well-being and are willing to be flexible in their in-office environments. With a dog-friendly policy, you can create a more positive, productive, and engaged work environment. Dog-friendly businesses enjoy a boosted brand image, especially if you have a social media presence to post their adorable photos.
Whether your company is considering making the switch or already has a dog-friendly policy in place, the benefits are clear. Dog-friendly offices have happier employees, stronger teams, and enjoy a caring workplace culture. As you transition your employees back to in-office work, or look for ways to take your current workspace environment to the next level, perhaps it’s time to let the dogs in.
Sources
1. Hoffman, C. L., Thibault, M., & Hong, J. (2021). Characterizing Pet Acquisition and Retention During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.781403 (opens in a new window)
2. Junça-Silva, A., & Galrito, M. (2024). Pets at work: integrating pet-friendly initiatives into human resources for enhanced workplace harmony. BMC Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01854-y (opens in a new window)
3. Jensen, C. L., Bibbo, J., Rodriguez, K. E., & O’Haire, M. E. (2021). The effects of facility dogs on burnout, job‐related well‐being, and mental health in paediatric hospital professionals. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(9-10), 1429–1441. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15694 (opens in a new window)
4. Powell, L., Chia, D., McGreevy, P., Podberscek, A. L., Edwards, K. M., Neilly, B., Guastella, A. J., Lee, V., & Stamatakis, E. (2018). Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters. PLOS ONE, 13(7), e0200276. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200276 (opens in a new window)
