If you are lucky enough to work in a place that allows dogs, then you already know all about the benefits, but unfortunately pet-friendly workplaces are few and far between.
But if you're trying to convince your boss to let you bring in your pup, we've got some news that'll help you win the argument. According to studies, having a dog-friendly workplace has a bunch of benefits that'll help the company do better in a variety of ways.
Here's how having dogs at work can help improve your company:
1. Increase Performance
Employees have been proven to work harder and focus more on their work when they have the ability to bring their pets to work with them.
You may have thought that it would be a huge distraction to have a pet there, but it saves the dog owner from having to rush home after work to take care of their pet. If they don't have to rush home, then dog owners are more likely to stay a bit later and get all their work done.
2. Reduce Stress
No matter what kind of job you have, chances are you experience some stress from time to time. Well, having a dog around can help to reduce that.
Even if they aren't trained therapy dogs, all dogs are comforting for people. Seeing those big happy smiles and puppy-dog eyes makes everyone feel a little bit more at ease.
Studies have shown that having a dog around actually decreases the levels of the stress hormone being released in people, so it's scientifically proven! You can tell that to your boss.
3. Improve Company Image
One way to gain some popularity as a company is to have a pet-friendly policy. It helps employees feel more positively about their workplace because they have somewhere they can bring their dogs, and even if they don't have a dog, they can still benefit from the stress reducing powers pups have.
It makes a company seem a lot more fun to the public, so if your company is trying to seem like a cool place to work, you should probably suggest allowing dogs.
4. Better Employee Interactions
Sometimes companies have trouble getting employees from different departments to interact, but if you add a dog to the mix, chances are there will be a lot more mingling.
If your company has a lot of problems with communications between departments, consider allowing dogs come in and act as very cute little ice breakers.
5. Encourages Healthy Breaks
Your employees will actually work harder if they take occasional breaks. Having to go take a dog for a walk will give people a short little break and some fresh air that will help reduce stress and help them refocus.
There are a few things to consider before you allow pets in the workplace though.
- Make sure employees aren't allergic or afraid of dogs.
- Make sure the building allows pets.
- Make sure the dogs are well behaved.
- Make sure the dog can't get away from their owner.
- Make sure the dog has access to necessities like water and a safe place to be.
Source - SitStay / Inc.com / The Undercover Recruiter / Applied Psychology Degree / Business Insider
