The Benefits of Working at a Dog-Friendly Company

There are a lot of things you can do to motivate employees: offer better compensation, more opportunities for advancement, a fun company culture, the list continues. But one other strategy worth keeping in mind is making your office dog friendly. Working for an employer that welcomes dogs in the office has a number of unexpected benefits, even for people that do not consider themselves dog lovers. Here are a few you might not have considered before:

Stress Relief

Research conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University suggests that having a dog in the office can measurably reduce stress levels. The study participants reported 11% lower stress levels when they had their dogs in the office, and 70% higher stress levels when they did not. This research confirms what countless anecdotes have already suggested – having a happy, care-free dog in the office simply makes you feel better when you are having a bad day.

Team Building

A dog is something everyone can bond over. And unlike other team building projects/goals, there is not the same pressure to succeed or risk of failure. With basic levels of care and attention, most dogs thrive in an office environment. If everyone feels connected to that dog, invested in their overall well being, and partly responsible for it, they have a common goal that is over and above their normal workday responsibilities.

Productivity Gains

Taking a short break from sitting at a desk staring at a computer is important for staying productive and focused. Dogs are the perfect distraction. They are always happy to see you, willing to engage, and they need just as many breaks as you do. Having a dog around the office can encourage employees to take a quick refresher and then return to their work with a new perspective.

Fringe Benefits

Many people feel uncomfortable leaving their dog at home all day. Allowing employees to bring their pet in alleviates this stress and brings a more cheerful attitude into the office. Giving employees this fringe benefit encourages them to work harder and promotes company loyalty.

The Squires Group has a dog-friendly office, and we have seen firsthand how much a four-legged friend can change the atmosphere. If your office is not conducive to having a dog, consider a fish tank, or something that you can keep confined like a turtle. Other animals offer many of the same benefits that dogs do. Learn more outside-the-box strategies for motivating your workforce and enhancing your office environment by contacting The Squires Group.