The topic of office dogs has been enjoying increasing popularity since around 2014. Social events such as the global Corona crisis also caused the four-legged population to boom. Now that general normality has returned, many dog owners are facing a major problem. Where should the furry friend go when they are at work? In addition to relatives, acquaintances and dog sitters, some dog owners would also like to be able to take their companion with them to the office. You can find out what advantages and disadvantages having a dog in the office brings with it in this article.
Table of contents:
2. What speaks for an office dog?
3. What speaks against an office dog?
4. What requirements are there for an office dog?
5. Challenges and Solutions
6. Conclusion
Why more and more companies are allowing dogs in the workplace
There are many reasons why the number of four-legged work colleagues is constantly increasing. According to various studies, an office dog reduces the risk of burnout immensely. The risk of other mental illnesses is also significantly reduced by having a furry friend in the office. This also minimizes days of absence, which is also positive for the company. Corporate giants like Google and Amazon have already recognized this and welcome dogs into the office. Whether the increase is something for your company or your workplace varies from person to person and is associated with a number of requirements.
What speaks for an office dog?
The list of positive effects of an office-friendly dog for employees and companies is long. The following are some advantages that make it clear that dogs can be useful in the company.
| Reducing stress and improving the working atmosphere | It is scientifically proven that our pets reduce stress. Stroking an animal releases the hormone oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that has been proven to reduce our stress levels. If the stress level in the office is low, this has a positive effect on the working atmosphere between colleagues. Everyday work can also be beneficial for the office dog. He is not alone, but, as in his original nature, in a pack. And let's be honest, no well-socialized dog has anything against a massage. Pets can also connect with colleagues who previously didn't like each other, which strengthens team spirit and positively influences work performance. |
| Physical and mental health | An office dog also has positive effects on our physical and mental health. Your four-legged friend needs enough exercise and exercise to stay relaxed for the rest of the working day. This increases your physical activity immensely, as you have to go for a walk in all wind and weather conditions. Without an office dog, you would rather spend the odd rainy or cold lunch break in the building. The higher activity has a positive effect on the body and mind. Maybe one or two of your colleagues will feel motivated to accompany you. |
| Increasing employee satisfaction and productivity | Because of both the increased exercise and the occasional cuddles, you and your employees are generally happier. This in turn promotes productivity and stamina. In addition, an office dog also strengthens the bond with the company, as employees feel much more valued by allowing them to bring their beloved four-legged friend with them. |
| Company image | The company's public image is also strengthened. It is estimated that around ten million dogs currently live in Germany. The need to find an animal-friendly company is becoming increasingly popular. Allowing dogs in the office is also worth considering in view of the current and future shortage of skilled workers. An office dog can also have a positive effect on your recruiting. As an animal-friendly company, you are also entitled to a certificate from the German Animal Welfare Association. |
| Cost savings | Due to the improved health of the employees, there are noticeably fewer days of absence. This in turn saves the employer costs and downtime. |
What speaks against an office dog?
Although the previous chapter only promises the glitz and glory of allowing dogs in the office, there are also some negative aspects that should not be ignored. For example, the smell of the wet dog or its hair can become a problem. If your colleagues have allergies, an office dog can potentially become a problem. People who are afraid of dogs are also not uncommon. Whether there are solutions to such problems and what they might look like varies from person to person.
What requirements are there for an office dog?
Are dogs allowed at work? No, dogs are generally prohibited in the office. Exceptions here are companion dogs such as guide dogs. The whole issue of office dogs is regulated by law in such a way that employers can decide individually whether dogs are allowed in their business premises and under what conditions. If you bring your loved one to work without prior agreement, this could result in a warning or even your termination. The employer has the so-called house rules and can therefore withdraw their permission even after allowing dogs in the office.
What legal rules are there?
The following legal provisions and contractual conditions must be observed:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Occupational Safety Act
- Workplace Policy
- Hygiene regulations
- Infection Protection Act
- Animal Welfare Dog Regulations
- SGB VII
- Severely Disabled Persons Act
What does a dog need in the office?
In addition to the legal requirements and the approval of companies and colleagues, the needs of the dog in the office play a crucial role. In addition to the required exercise and the occasional play and petting sessions, the office dog needs a few other things:
- Fixed place: A crate or basket can help your dog relax
- Food: In addition to feeding, you should give your furry friend constant access to water and place the bowls in such a way that they do not cause a lot of dirt or become a tripping hazard
- Employment: Also make sure you have enough activity so that your office dog doesn't get stupid ideas and nibble on 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 each other. Your office dog should neither run up to every person and jump or bark at them, nor should each of your colleagues run up to your pet and disturb it in the “quiet zone”.
- Other dogs/owners: If there are other colleagues who would also like to take their furry friend to work with them, you should discuss a few things in advance. This way, later conflicts can be avoided.
Tip: Let your dogs get to know each other beforehand to see if they get along. Without a leash and outdoors, the first meeting is much more relaxed and informal.
If all of these requirements are met, the office dog must also be dewormed, defleed and vaccinated in order to become part of the team. You also need to talk to other dog owners about the castration and heat of the animals, as an unneutered male dog and a female dog in heat are not a good starting point for a relaxed working environment.
In addition, not all dogs are suitable for the office. A puppy or very young dog has no place in the office due to house training and high energy levels. Unbehaved or loud dogs also disrupt everyday office life and reduce work performance. Particularly energetic dog breeds, such as the Husky, can be problematic.
Tips for successfully integrating your dog into the office team
If neither your employer nor colleagues have any objections to an office dog, you can plan to get your dog used to the office. To make it easier for your furry friend to get started and make the first day a complete success, the following tips can help you:
- Make a few visits to your work in advance to get your dog and colleagues used to the new situation
- Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the office
- As already mentioned in the previous section, if there are several dogs in the office, it is helpful if they get to know each other in a relaxed, off-leash environment beforehand
- Show the soon-to-be office dog his permanent place right from the start and make sure that he knows it
Challenges and solutions
As mentioned above, you may face some challenges such as allergies and phobic reactions from employees, conflicts between dogs, cleanliness and hygiene in the office. But that doesn't mean there aren't solutions for this. Depending on the type of allergic reactions or fears of other employees, you can try to choose a workplace for the dog owner that is far enough away so as not to trigger any reactions. Additionally, the office dog can be kept on a leash, so people with anxiety can be more reassured. This may even help counteract such fears. It is not for nothing that dogs are often used as therapy partners. Conflicts between office dogs can be avoided by getting to know each other beforehand and through proper communication between the dog owners. In any case, care should be taken to ensure that the dogs stay in their areas and that the office does not become a dog playground. Regarding cleanliness, the owners are also responsible for cleaning their 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 liable with your private assets in the event of any damage!
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that an office dog has many requirements that cannot always be met. Despite the many hurdles, more and more companies are allowing dogs to be brought into the office because the many positive effects are undeniable. After all, which employer doesn't want healthier and more motivated employees who complete their tasks more productively and with joy. An office dog also makes an employee feel more valued and supported, which has a very positive impact on their loyalty to the company. The general working atmosphere also improves due to the increased release of oxytocin and intentional short distractions from everyday work. This is reflected in a reduced stress level and fewer sick days in the personnel area.
According to studies, more and more companies will draw this conclusion in the future. This could also be noticeable in the recruiting process and influence the company's attractiveness externally and internally.
So it's worth not rejecting the idea of an office dog from the outset and giving it a few thoughts.
Do you want to know more?
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