What Are the Benefits of Allowing Dogs in the Workplace?

Having a work day filled with wagging tails and the pitter patter of paws on the floor is any dog lover’s dream. But allowing dogs in the workplace isn’t just a trend. In fact, having our furry friends at work with us has a whole host of benefits for both humans and pups!

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of allowing dogs at the office and discover how sharing our work hours with four-legged friends can create a happier and healthier space. 

Improves Workplace Morale

One of the benefits of having a dog-friendly office is the morale boost it gives everyone. Walking into the office in the morning to see a furry friend bounding over can cheer most people up! Having a dog in the office can benefit employees and workplace culture by helping people feel more relaxed and creating a joyful atmosphere.

Employees that are around dogs at work often report feeling happier and more engaged when dogs are present. It’s also been proven that interacting with dogs can lower cortisol levels and blood pressure. This means that people with a dog-friendly office job are more likely to be happier and healthier.

Increases Social Interaction and Team Bonding

Another benefit of a dog-friendly job is that it increases the opportunities for team bonding. Dogs act as a social catalyst and are a brilliant talking point – if we do say so ourselves! Our canine companions’ presence is great at encouraging friendly conversations and helping to break down barriers in the workplace. So, if you’re taking your dog to work, be prepared for them to spark up plenty of conversations.

Having dogs in the office not only benefits social interactions for employees, but it also helps to blur the lines between departments and seniority levels. Sharing a workspace with adorable pups fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, promoting open communication and collaboration, especially for dog lovers!

Enhances Work-life Balance 

As a pet parent, taking your dog to work can enhance your work-life balance by eliminating the need for you to rush home and check on your pup. It can also reduce the guilt or stress about leaving your dog home alone. This not only benefits your dog by giving them more opportunities to socialise but also helps to ease your own feelings of anxiety. 

The advantage of a dog-friendly job is that it helps to integrate work and personal lives, creating a flexible and accommodating work environment. This flexibility also allows for short breaks in the day with your dog in tow to stretch their legs outside on a toilet break and get some fresh air. You’ll find that this will help to boost your mental and physical well-being, and your dog’s!

Supports Recruitment and Retention 

Another benefit of office dogs is that they can support employee recruitment. Pet-friendly policies are more attractive to job seekers, especially Millennials, Gen Z and devoted pet parents. In fact, 82% of HR professionals believe that dog-friendly offices help attract and retain top talent. 

Having a positive and pup-friendly work environment also enhances employee retention. It improves morale and overall job satisfaction, fostering a positive space that encourages employees to stay. On top of that, a dog’s ability to reduce workplace stress and create a relaxing atmosphere can also play a part in retaining employees for the long term. 

Benefits for Dogs

Having dogs at the office isn’t just great for us humans, it also benefits our dogs too. For them, venturing out of the house to join their human at work can be an exciting adventure that has many benefits, such as:

• Reducing the time they spend alone – Dogs don’t like spending too much time alone, so being close to their caregiver during the day supports their well-being.  

• Increasing opportunities for socialisation – By being in the office, dogs get to interact with other dogs and different people, which can help to build confidence. 

• Promoting more physical activity – Regular walks and playtime during work breaks improves their physical health compared to being home alone, resting. 

Things to Consider When Taking a Dog to Work

When introducing your pooch to your workplace, it’s important to consider a few things to make sure that you, your dog and your co-workers have a great day at the office!

Not All Dogs Are Office-Ready

An office environment can be overstimulating for a pup, with lots of new people and sounds that they may not be used to. If your dog is well-socialised, house-trained, and able to cope with people coming over to say hello, then they are more likely to have a positive experience at the office. So, consider your dog’s temperament and comfort in busy spaces before taking them into work with you. 

If your dog is office-ready but can get a bit nervous from time to time, try using an ADAPTIL Calm Collar. It’s an easy-to-fit collar that can help to keep your dog relaxed no matter where they are by releasing comforting dog pheromones. 

Schedule in Time for Breaks

It’s also important to consider whether your work day schedule is one that will allow you to accommodate for your dog. Having your dog in the office means you will need to take regular breaks to make sure they get the chance to go to the toilet and exercise. 

Pack the Essentials

If you’re bringing your dog to work, make sure to pack all of the necessities. We recommend making sure you have a suitable lead and harness, bedding, water, food, toys, treats, poo bags and any safety gates if they are needed to keep your pooch in one area.

ADAPTIL Office Dog Spotlight

At ADAPTIL, colleagues are encouraged to bring their furry friends to the office! It’s no secret that we’re pet lovers, so we love seeing the office filled with hard working people and their pups.

''We love having dogs in the office! If you're ever missing someone, it's worth checking under a desk — there's a good chance they're having a cuddle with one of the office dogs. You can often hear the happy patter of paws as they chase tennis balls around the office, bringing endless smiles to the day!

They even help us build better habits, like getting out for a proper lunch break with a walk to the local park. It's all part of the strong wellness vibe that keeps our team feeling connected, relaxed, and refreshed.'' – Abbie, ADAPTIL UK

“I absolutely love having dogs in the office, and they brighten up my day!  Whether it is a happy greeting when you go by, getting pets in after a stressful call, or the reminder to get out and walk throughout the day, having our dogs in the office makes it so much more of a fun and family atmosphere!” – Sarah, ADAPTIL US

For more advice on life with your four-legged friend, continue exploring the rest of our blogs online. Or if you’d like to receive the latest news and advice straight into your inbox, don’t forget that you can also sign up to our newsletter.