Having a dog in the office can be a great way to boost morale and productivity. Studies have shown that they can have a positive impact on both the physical and mental health of people in the workplace. Dogs also encourage social interaction between coworkers, which deepens relationships and increases teamwork. Here are some of the benefits that having dogs in the office provides.
Physical Benefits
One of the most obvious benefits of having a dog in the office is the stress relief they can provide. Not only does the employee who brought their dog to work experience stress relief, but their colleagues do as well. A study carried out by Washington State University found that patting a dog for as little as 10 minutes can reduce stress levels. The reason behind this is that when we pet a dog, our bodies release a hormone called oxytocin, which is responsible for reducing stress and anxiety. This helps employees be able to think more clearly and remain focused on their work during challenging workdays.
Additionally, bringing a dog to work encourages regular breaks, due to the need to walk them or take them to do their business. Even though this might seem like a distraction, having regular breaks allows people to clear their minds and are necessary for people to perform optimally. We already know that we should get up and move around for a few minutes each hour for our physical health, and office dogs are the pawfect excuse!
Mental Benefits
Office dogs also have a great positive impact on our mental health. Aside from the aforementioned physical benefit that comes from taking a dog for a walk, research shows that walking when compared to sitting, boosts creative thinking by 60%. In addition, taking short breaks gives our brains time to refresh, resulting in a boost of productivity when we return to our work. So, when stuck trying to solve a problem or come up with a new idea, going for a quick walk with a dog could give you that light bulb moment.
Furthermore, having dogs in the office can provide a sense of comfort, and since dogs are happy to see people, they can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation too. This is particularly beneficial for those who work long hours – they still have the company of their dog when their colleagues have gone home. There is a similar benefit to workers who are not dog owners. Many people would love to have a dog but for various reasons, for example, living in an apartment and not having the space for a dog, it is not possible. Allowing dogs in the workplace gives those who don’t have their own dog a chance to interact with their coworkers’ dogs. They can receive the comfort and stress relief that dogs naturally provide while giving the owner a break from paying attention to their dog. It is a win for everyone!
Social Benefits
It is no secret that humans and dogs alike are naturally social creatures. Studies have shown that having dogs at work leads to interactions with employees that may not have otherwise occurred. Dogs have a positive impact on social interactions since they provide a common topic of conversation. This can help naturally break the ice between employees, which enables them to build rapport with each other. When coworkers know each other better, it creates a more relaxed atmosphere, which is beneficial for those who work in a team environment. Being more comfortable around each other creates the opportunity for a greater exchange of ideas between coworkers, and therefore better solutions, resulting in improved outputs. Dogs may be just what your office needs to cultivate better relationships between employees and increase workplace morale and teamwork.
Points to Consider Before Introducing Dogs to Your Workplace
Not everyone likes dogs, and some may be allergic, so it is important to consider the feelings of all workers before implementing a dog-friendly policy. The workplace also needs to be made suitable for dogs, with access to water and an outdoor toileting area – this can be achieved by placing a pet mat in any outdoor break-out area. It is a great idea to implement a policy that outlines the expected standards of behaviour from both the dogs and their owners. Some points that you may want to consider when creating a dog policy for the workplace include:
- All dogs must be well trained – no one wants to have a dog barking interrupt their meeting!
- Each dog should undergo a probation period to ensure that they are suited to the workplace.
- Ask that owners bring a bed, pillow, or blanket for their furry friend to lay on while they are working.
- If you have workers with dog allergies, you may want to restrict dogs to particular areas and avoid allowing them in common areas.
- It is a great idea to include a clause stating that if anyone’s dog starts to repeatedly miss behave, they will be respectfully asked to leave their dog at home.
In conclusion, having a dog in the office has been proven to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. There have been links established between having dogs at work and stress relief, boosts in creativity and productivity, and improved morale. Furthermore, they facilitate opportunities for social interaction between workers, which makes it easier to strengthen their relationships with one another. This makes teamwork more efficient, and with greater willingness to participate fully, better solutions as a collective are reached as a result. We love our furry friends here at collective 100 and have found that our members (both owners and those without a dog) enjoy having them around. They are a welcomed opportunity for a quick chat break between coworkers. If you are looking for a way to boost morale and productivity, introducing dogs into your office may be the solution you have been searching for.
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