This Friday employees and employers are encouraged to bring their dogs to their pet-friendly workspaces in celebration of International Take Your Dog to Work Day!
This year marks the 26th year of the initiative which was started by Pet Sitters International in recognition of the amazing companions dogs make and to highlight the impact they can have upon our mental health.
Bringing pet dogs into the workplace is a practice that is becoming increasingly common across the globe as ‘canine colleagues' have been shown, in numerous studies, to contribute to a pleasant and productive working atmosphere in the office.
Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, is firmly behind the day, Director Fiona Miles says: “FOUR PAWS has been encouraging colleagues to bring their pet dogs to the workplace. We believe that by offering employees the option to bring their pet dog to work helps promote interactions between staff resulting in an improved social atmosphere in the work environment. However, employers are not obligated to permit dogs in the office. If you want to bring your dog in with you, you must first obtain your employer's permission - preferably in writing. It is also advisable to consult with colleagues in advance to avoid conflicts.”
Four Paws has put together a comprehensive document that details the dos and don'ts of dogs in the workplace.
Numerous scientific studies have concluded that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace. Increased job satisfaction, team cooperation and morale have all been reported in employees who spend the workday with their pets.
While the practice has still to catch on in South Africa, a growing number of businesses across the UK and USA allow dogs in the workplace. One such company in the US is Amazon.
While in the UK - this is what is going down at Britain's most dog-loving company.
