Paws for Thought: Dogs in the Office

A happy employee means a thriving business. Learn why allowing dogs at your workplace might increase worker productivity.

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you want to spend as much time as possible with your pet. Today, an increasing number of offices are becoming dog-friendly, so whether you bring along your buddy or enjoy the company’s mascot, chances are you’re going to find your day at work much more enjoyable. And with International Dog Day just around the corner on August 26^th, we wanted to highlight some of the benefits of having a dog-friendly office environment.

A dog friendly office is a highly sought-after company perk and potential employees, particularly millennials, take the ability to bring their dog to work into consideration when deciding whether or not to accept a position. Studies have shown that people are more focused and more engaged with their coworkers and even show a greater willingness to work longer hours. Dog-friendly offices also help relieve stress and team members feel more at home and relaxed.

Workplaces that allow dogs also tend to see higher levels of employee satisfaction and employees maintain higher morale when dogs are in the office. Happy employees are more likely to encourage a positive atmosphere of teamwork and open communication and people simply enjoy going to work more at dog-friendly offices. Their happiness extends into other areas of their work life and improves productivity.

Additionally, the research shows that employees of dog-friendly businesses tend to work longer hours and have fewer absences. If employees have their dogs with them at work, they don’t have to worry about leaving as soon as the clock strikes five to feed them or get home to take them for a walk. It also saves them from having to spend money on doggy daycare and dog walking services.

Not only that, but real-life experience has proven that customers who interact with an employee’s pet have positive feedback about the whole company and its service. Having pets at the office makes your company look more approachable to potential customers and future employees. I mean, who wouldn’t like to work in a place where a dog is treated like a part of the team?

Right now employees everywhere are weighing their options and over 40% of the workforce is considering leaving their jobs this year. You need to do everything you can to make your workplace and office as attractive as possible and this includes have a dog-friendly office policy and opening things up to all your team’s four-legged friends. 

Meet some of our furry friends at our downtown Chicago office.