Image Credit: Jordan Stead
Office dogs have become increasingly popular in Britain and the USA over the past few years. It's not uncommon to walk into a workplace and be greeted by an enthusiastic furry friend wagging its tail.
Major companies such as Amazon, Google, and Ben & Jerry's have all implemented dog-friendly policies. The UK's first-ever dog-friendly coworking space, Work Club, opened in London in 2018, and since then, more dog-friendly coworking spaces have opened across the country.
These companies have acknowledged what research has shown - office dogs can help reduce stress levels in the workplace. A study conducted by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who brought their dogs to work experienced lower stress levels throughout the day. Having a dog around can also help to reduce anxiety and promote a more relaxed atmosphere in the workplace.
In addition, office dogs can help to boost morale and increase productivity. Dogs are known to have a calming effect on people, and their presence can help to improve communication and teamwork within the workplace. Additionally, taking breaks to play with or walk the dog can provide employees with a much-needed mental break, leading to increased productivity when they return to their work.
And according to research, having office dogs can also help to attract and retain employees. A survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital found that 82% of employees would be more likely to stay with a company that allowed pets in the workplace. Allowing dogs in the office can be seen as a perk of the job and can help companies stand out from their competitors.
In the USA Amazon (Seattle),Uber (San Francisco),Zogics (Lenox, Massachusetts)Ben & Jerry’s (Burlington, VT) and Google (Mountain View, California) are just a few of many major companies embracing the trend.
If you would like to find out more go to: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15108-best-dog-friendly-companies.html
Pictured below: This is the in-house office dog at UK company Hypervolt.
And take a look at this - there is even a doggy station at their premises in Canary Wharf in the UK.
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Amazon has been proudly dog friendly for many years now, this clip was posted 5 years ago.
Here in South Africa, it’s safe to say that Cape Town is our most dog-friendly city. According to Getaway, "The owners of dog-friendly restaurants in the city report an increase in furry-customer numbers, with some of them now offering menu items for dogs"’
“Judi Fourie, owner of Pilcrow & Cleaver on Parliament Street, says she’s been pet friendly ‘since day one’ because ‘a pet is part of the family’, with some of her clients returning every weekend with their dogs.”
“A doggie menu is available daily, comprising steak with potato wedges, chicken chipolatas with carrots, tuna squares on brown rice, and “nice” cream, which is frozen yoghurt with peanut butter and banana. The doggie meals are served in Soenchie bowls made by a local ceramist.”
Pictured below: Judi and her beloved pooch at her restaurant Pilcrow & Cleaver: (Picture Source: Getaway)
We still have a long way to go to catch up to the UK and the States!
