The Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

Could having dogs at work make it a better place? Here are some of the benefits office dogs can offer.

If you’re a dog lover, having dogs in the workplace probably sounds like a dream come true. But having an office dog could provide much more than just a bit of fun! In fact, they could benefit employees and businesses in a lot of different ways, from reducing stress to boosting staff retention. Plus, there are more pet parents than ever, and they want to be able to spend time with their furry besties. So, being able to have their dog at work can mean a lot to them.

To find out more about the positives of a pet-friendly workplace, we carried out a survey of pet parents to learn more about how dogs benefit our worklife. Here’s what we discovered.

1. Dogs can help reduce stress

There’s nothing more soothing than having a dog by your side. And the proof is in the survey results! 58% of our respondents said having dogs at work boosts happiness and 57% said it helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This can apply to anyone working in the office, not just the person who brought their dog in.

Dogs don’t just lighten the mood in the workplace, stroking or cuddling a dog also encourages our bodies to release the happy, stress-reducing hormone, oxytocin. And a less stressed workforce makes for a more productive and satisfied one.

2. Dogs bring people together

It’s official, dogs unite people! Our survey found that 52% of people think having dogs at work supports more social interaction. So, having a dog at the workplace could be just the answer to bringing the team together and potentially even encouraging people to approach colleagues they haven’t spoken to before. There’s no better conversation starter than someone’s adorable pooch coming in to visit, after all.

3. Dogs boost employee morale

There’s always a special buzz when there’s an office dog in the workplace. All the animal lovers are excited to say hello to them and taking a moment to play with a dog is sure to put a smile on their faces. Breaking up the day by spending time with a furry pal could even boost an individual's productivity when they return to their desk, as they’ve had the chance to relax and reset.

Allowing dogs at work also contributes greatly to the job satisfaction and retention of the employees who bring their dogs in. Nearly half of the dog owners who responded to our survey said it would be harder to leave their jobs if their company allowed them to bring their pets to work.

4. It gives employees more flexibility

Having a dog and working can raise some issues for pet parents, so it’s a dilemma people need to assess when deciding whether they should get a dog, if they work all day. It’s not easy or fair to leave your pooch all by themselves, and doggy daycare doesn’t tend to come cheap. Being able to take pets into the workplace means employees can fulfil their wish of owning a pet without having to leave their furry friend behind every day.

In our survey, 89% of pet parents said it’s important for them to continue spending time with pets during the workday. So having the option to take them to work with them means they can benefit from being in the workplace and having their beloved pet nearby.

5. It’s good for the dogs too!

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when left at home, so a full workday can feel like an awfully long time for them. Looking after a puppy whilst working can be particularly tricky, as it’s important to ease them into alone time gradually. But once the pup’s mastered their basic training, going into work with their mum or dad could be a great solution for this. And the same goes for adult dogs, too.

Taking your pooch into work saves them from lengthy periods alone and is a great way to socialise them. Office dogs have a full and exciting day, filled with meeting new people and perhaps even other dogs. Just make sure they’re going to be on their best behaviour! Read our article about making sure your dog is office-ready for our guidance on how to prepare your pooch for the workplace.

As long as your furry friend promises to be friendly and well-behaved, there’s no reason why they can’t be everyone’s favourite new colleague! Just remember to get them set up for the day with a delicious bowl of CESAR® dog food before you head to work.