In the evolution of a modern work environment, where innovation and creativity are highly valued, companies are increasingly looking for ways to boost employee productivity and well-being. One innovative solution gaining popularity is the introduction of dogs into the workplace. Imagine how nice it would be if, in addition to your morning coffee, a little wet nose and a wagging tail were part of your daily work routine. In Germany, a full 47% of office employees own a dog. Unfortunately, only half of them can bring their furry friend to work. This is despite the fact that these fluffy four-legged companions don't just bring joy and fun to the office, but also offer a range of benefits for employees, the company, and the dogs themselves.
An office dog brings not only joy but also an extra dose of motivation.
Workplace stress is a common problem that affects employee productivity. The presence of an office dog can help create a relaxed atmosphere and reduce the release of stress hormones. Petting a dog and taking short walks with them help reduce stress and improve the mood in the office. A dog's mere presence can lighten the work environment and encourage employees to feel more at ease.
Studies have shown that dogs have a calming effect on humans. Petting a dog leads to the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. The presence of an office dog offers a welcome distraction for employees and can help them relax when they're stressed or need a break. This leads to improved stress management and can promote employees' overall mental health. To meet the dog's needs, break times also encourage short walks. Employees are thus motivated to regularly leave their workspace, which is physically and mentally refreshing and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to walks, short play sessions in the office hallway encourage quick breaks.
An office dog has the potential to increase overall employee satisfaction. Knowing that an animal friend is present can make the working environment more pleasant and increase motivation. Employees who feel good and have a positive working environment are demonstrably more motivated and productive. The office dog can therefore indirectly contribute to improving the performance of the entire team.
An office dog can also signal a flexible and family-friendly working environment. For employees who have pets, being able to bring their dog to work is a huge relief. They don't have to worry about looking after their dog during working hours and feel supported and valued as a result. The Office Dog Index of the Bundesverband Bürohund e.V. confirms the strengthening effect on company loyalty with a 57 per cent lower willingness to change employer in companies with an office dog than in companies without an office dog.
The presence of an office dog can also strengthen team dynamics and communication within the organisation. Dogs are known for their ability to bring people together and encourage social interactions. Employees who have a dog in the office often have something in common that they can talk about, which breaks the ice and promotes trust with each other. The office dog creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where employees feel comfortable and can communicate openly with each other.
In addition to the positive effect on employees, an office dog can also help to make the company more attractive to potential applicants. Companies that allow office dogs express openness, a modern work culture and an understanding of the needs of their employees. The ability to bring your own dog to work can therefore be an important factor in deciding in favour of an employer and thus contribute to enhancing the employer brand.
PS: The four-legged friends are particularly popular content on social media.
Of course, our four-legged friends also benefit from a day at the office with their owner. For dogs, being taken to work primarily means social interaction and avoiding loneliness. Dogs are social animals and can quickly suffer from boredom and loneliness. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety particularly benefit immensely from this. The constant presence of people in the office prevents this. The dog's development is also stimulated by regular trips to the office, as the dog develops a fixed routine, creating a sense of security and relaxation. New people, smells, and sounds also offer an office dog plenty of variety in daily life.
Before deciding on an office dog, the character of the dog should be checked, as not every dog is made for everyday office life. A balanced, friendly character that is not afraid of loud noises or lots of people, for example, is well suited to everyday office life. Furthermore, colleagues should be informed in advance about the presence of the dog and their consent obtained. Consideration must be given to possible fears or allergies.
As with employees, it is also important to create a suitable and dog-friendly office environment for dogs. The needs of the office dog can be taken into consideration by providing sufficient resting areas.
While the benefits of an office dog are undeniable and can create a win-win situation, as Stefan Scheller highlights in his blog post "Office Dog in Employer Branding: A Holistic View," it's important to adopt a balanced perspective. The introduction of an office dog, while an attractive feature for many employees, can also lead to "negative selection" if applicants prefer a workplace without animals due to allergies, fears, or hygiene preferences. Therefore, companies considering office dogs should develop a comprehensive strategy. This includes not only assessing the dog's suitability and obtaining colleagues' consent, but also clarifying legal frameworks, the suitability of premises, perception by customers and suppliers, and establishing clear guidelines regarding numbers, breeds, care times, and necessary equipment. It's essential that the responsibility for the dog remains with the owner and that the romanticization of the topic doesn't overshadow potential challenges or the need for thoughtful implementation to ensure a harmonious coexistence for everyone.
It's confirmed – dogs in the workplace offer a multitude of positive effects for companies, employees, and dogs alike. Office dogs truly create a win-win situation for all involved. So, as an employee, don't hesitate to point out the benefits of office dogs to your superiors and open the door to your four-legged friends in your company, letting their calming nature affect you. At ARTS, we dared to try the office dog experiment and are completely convinced of its added value!
