Since around 2014, the topic of office dogs has been growing in popularity. Social developments such as the global coronavirus crisis also led to a boom in four-legged additions to the family. Now that everyday life has largely returned to normal, many dog owners are facing a major problem. Where should their furry friend go while they are at work? In addition to relatives, friends and dog sitters, some dog owners would love to be able to bring their companion into the office as well. In this article, you can find out what advantages and disadvantages a dog in the office can bring.
Contents:
2. What are the benefits of an office dog?
3. What are the drawbacks of an office dog?
4. What are the requirements for an office dog?
5. Challenges and solutions
6. Conclusion
Why more and more companies allow dogs in the workplace
The reasons why the number of four-legged colleagues at work is steadily increasing are varied. According to various studies, an office dog greatly reduces the risk of burnout. The risk of other mental health issues is also significantly lowered by having a furry friend in the office. In addition, this helps minimise absences, which is also beneficial for the business. Corporate giants such as Google and Amazon have already recognised this and welcome dogs in the office. Whether this is also something for your company or workplace varies from case to case and depends on certain requirements.
What are the benefits of an office dog?
The list of positive effects a dog suited to office life can have on employees and businesses is long. Below are some benefits that show dogs in the workplace can certainly be worthwhile.
| Stress reduction and a better working atmosphere | It has been scientifically proven that our pets reduce stress. Petting an animal releases the hormone oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that has been shown to lower our stress levels. If stress levels in the office are low, this has a positive effect on the working atmosphere between colleagues. Daily work can also be beneficial for the office dog. It is not alone, but as in its original nature, part of a pack. And let's be honest, no well-socialised dog has anything against a massage. Pets can also bring together colleagues who did not get along before, which strengthens team spirit and has a positive effect on performance. |
| Physical and mental health | An office dog also has a positive effect on our physical and mental health. Your four-legged companion needs enough walks and exercise to stay relaxed for the rest of the working day. As a result, your level of physical activity increases enormously, as you have to go for walks in all kinds of weather. Without an office dog, you would probably prefer to spend the occasional rainy or cold lunch break indoors. The increased activity has a positive effect on both body and mind. It may even motivate one or two colleagues to join you. |
| Increased employee satisfaction and productivity | Thanks to both the extra exercise and the occasional cuddles, you and your employees are generally more satisfied. This in turn boosts productivity and perseverance. In addition, an office dog also strengthens employees' connection to the company, as being allowed to bring along their beloved four-legged companion makes them feel much more valued. |
| Company image | A company's public image is strengthened as well. It is estimated that around ten million dogs currently live in Germany. As a result, the demand for pet-friendly companies is growing steadily. Especially in view of the current and future shortage of skilled workers, allowing dogs in the office is well worth considering. An office dog can therefore also have a positive impact on your recruiting. As an animal-friendly company, you are also entitled to a certificate from the German Animal Welfare Federation. |
| Cost savings | Improved employee health leads to noticeably fewer sick days. This in turn saves the employer both money and staffing losses. |
What speaks against an office dog?
Even though the previous chapter promised nothing but sunshine and glory from allowing dogs in the office, there are also some negative aspects that should not be overlooked. For example, the smell of a wet dog or its hair can become a problem. If any of your colleagues have allergies, an office dog may cause issues. People who are afraid of dogs are not uncommon either. Whether there are solutions to such problems and what these might look like varies from case to case.
What are the requirements for an office dog?
Are dogs allowed at work? No, dogs are generally prohibited in the office. Exceptions include assistance dogs such as guide dogs. Legally, the whole issue of office dogs is regulated in such a way that employers may decide individually whether dogs are permitted on their business premises and under what conditions. If you bring your pet to work without prior agreement, this may result in a warning or even dismissal. The employer has what is known as domiciliary rights and can therefore withdraw permission for dogs in the office even after it has been granted.
What legal rules apply?
The following legal provisions and contractual terms must be observed:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Occupational Safety Act
- Workplace Directive
- Hygiene Regulations
- Infection Protection Act
- Dog Welfare Ordinance
- German Social Code VII
- Severely Disabled Persons Act
What does a dog need in the office?
Alongside legal requirements and the consent of the company and colleagues, the dog's needs in the office also play a crucial role. In addition to the exercise it needs and regular play and cuddle breaks, an office dog requires a few other things:
- A fixed place: A crate or dog bed can help your dog relax
- Food and water: In addition to feeding, you should give your furry friend constant access to water and place the bowls so they neither cause much mess nor become a tripping hazard
- Activity: Also make sure there is enough stimulation so your office dog doesn't get any silly ideas and start chewing cables or furniture out of boredom.
- Rules: Does an office dog need rules? Definitely. Make it clear to both your dog and your colleagues how they should behave towards one another. Your office dog should not run up to every person, jump up at them or bark at them, and equally none of your colleagues should rush over to your pet and disturb it in its “quiet zone”.
- Other dogs/dog owners: If there are other colleagues who would also like to bring their furry friend to work, you should agree on a few things in advance. This can help avoid conflicts later on.
Tip: Let your dogs get to know each other beforehand to see whether they get along. The first meeting is much more relaxed and informal outdoors and off the lead.
If all of these requirements are met, the office dog must also be wormed, treated for fleas and vaccinated to become part of the team. Other dog owners should also discuss neutering and whether the animals are in heat, as an unneutered male dog and a female in heat are not a good starting point for a relaxed working environment.
What's more, not all dogs are suited to office life. A puppy or very young dog has no place in the office because of house-training issues and its high energy levels. Untrained or noisy dogs also disrupt everyday office life and reduce productivity. Particularly energetic breeds, such as the Husky, can become problematic.
Tips for successfully integrating your dog into the office team
If neither your employer nor your colleagues have any objections to an office dog, you can start planning your dog's adjustment to office life. The following tips can help make things easier for your furry friend and ensure the very first day is a complete success:
- Make a few visits to your workplace in advance so your dog and colleagues can get used to the new situation
- Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the office
- As mentioned in the previous section, if there are several dogs in the office, it helps if they get to know each other beforehand in a relaxed setting without a lead
- Show your future office dog its designated place right from the start and make sure it knows where it is
Challenges and solutions
As already mentioned above, you may face some challenges such as allergies and phobic reactions from employees, conflicts between dogs, as well as cleanliness and hygiene in the office. However, that does not mean there are no solutions. Depending on the type of allergic reactions or fears other employees have, it may be possible to choose a workstation for the dog owner that is far enough away to avoid triggering any reactions. In addition, the office dog can be kept on a lead so that people with fears can feel more at ease. This may even help them confront those fears. It is no coincidence that dogs are often used as therapy partners. Conflicts between office dogs can be avoided through getting them acquainted beforehand and through proper communication between the dog owners. In any case, care should be taken to ensure that the dogs stay in their own areas and that the office does not turn into a dog playground. When it comes to cleanliness, owners are also responsible for cleaning their dogs' paws after a walk on a rainy day before the office dog enters the premises. The same applies to hygiene.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that, as a dog owner, you have pet liability insurance, otherwise you will be personally liable for any damage with your private assets!
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that there are many requirements attached to having an office dog, and these cannot always be met. Despite the many hurdles, more and more companies are allowing employees to bring a dog into the office, as the many positive effects cannot be denied. After all, what employer would not want healthier and more motivated employees who carry out their tasks more productively and with enjoyment. An office dog also makes employees feel more valued and supported, which has a strongly positive effect on their bond with the company. The overall working atmosphere also improves thanks to the increased release of oxytocin and deliberate short breaks from the working day. This becomes noticeable through lower stress levels and fewer sick days among staff.
According to studies, more and more companies will come to this conclusion in the future. This could also have an impact on the recruitment process and influence how attractive the company appears both externally and internally.
So it is worth not rejecting the topic of office dogs from the outset and giving it some thought.
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