This Friday 24th June is Bring Your Dog to Work Day!
Bring Your Dog to Work Day is an annual event now in its second year, aiming to raise money for charities dedicated to making a difference to the welfare of dogs. I wouldn’t profess to be able to comment on the benefits (or otherwise) for dogs but there is good evidence out there to suggest that having a dog, or other pet, in the office can have benefits for employees.
Employee engagement and wellbeing are hot topics and businesses are increasingly looking for innovative ways to increase their employees’ job satisfaction and morale. Studies have shown that the presence of a pet in the workplace can significantly reduce stress and absence levels whilst at the same time increasing job satisfaction, team cooperation and morale. It’s perhaps no surprise that Pets at Home have a relaxed approach to this issue but even big corporates like Amazon and Google reportedly allow pets in the workplace.
On the flip side, not everyone will be happy to find that their jacket has been used as a cushion for the afternoon, that their lunch has ended up supplementing a colleague’s pet’s diet or that the papers left on their desk have been destroyed by a living, breathing shredding machine. A one-off day might be one thing but any business proposing to permit pets in the office on a longer term basis will need to weigh carefully the competing interests of employees who aren’t fans of our four-legged friends and those who argue for the advantages of furry companions in the office.
If you’d like to get involved, visit www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.
Ellie Hibberd is a senior associate and Head of HRExpress. To discuss this or any other HR enquiry call 01392 210700 or employment@stephens-scown.co.uk.