If you visit a modern office space, you will likely see standing desks, egg chairs, and maybe even dogs. More and more companies are welcoming young professionals and their furry friends into the office, and there is evidence it can actually improve a workspace.
Dogs in the office are effective for attracting potential employees and retaining existing ones, because it allows employees to work without worrying about what their dog may be chewing up at home. It also has been shown to improve employee relations, create a social atmosphere, and reduce stress and anxiety.
However, there are things to think about before welcoming pets into the office. Employees who are allergic to or afraid of dogs may not appreciate the addition and, while they may be cute, they can be a distraction, especially if they are young or rambunctious. Luckily we have a plan for inviting dogs into the workplace as seamlessly as possible:
- Take a survey — find out how employees feel about dogs at work
- Develop criteria for dogs allowed — set standards for vaccinations, behavior, etc.
- Decide where dogs are allowed — consider creating dog-free zones for those who would like them
- Who is responsible for dogs? — consider a “dogs at work” committee to manage the transition
- Run a trial — try it out and see how it goes!
If you step into the Optimist Daily office, you will often find a dog or two brightening the mood. We are all for dogs in the office, and following these steps can help you do so smoothly!
