Are you one of the 33% of UK households that owns a dog?
If you are, your life may look a little like this: you get up in the morning and go through your routine with your beloved dog to prepare them for the day and leave for work. Then your much-loved companion stays at home and waits for your return. Sometimes, there is someone else at home to stay with your pet, or perhaps a friend or pet-sitter keeps a watchful eye on them, but that is the life of most pets and their owners.
However, what if you could bring your dog to work so you, your colleagues and, of course, your dog(s), can enjoy the many benefits of the human-companion animal bond, an issue which SCAS has worked hard to promote and encourage in the UK over the past 40 years through providing education, raising awareness, encouraging best practice and influencing the development of policies and practices that support the human-companion animal bond.
2019 Research from the University of Lincoln has shown employees who often bring their dogs to work report 22% higher satisfaction with their working conditions. Whilst some employers might be concerned with dogs in the office being a distraction, it was found that those who bring their dogs to work report increased absorption in their work (33.4%) and more dedication towards their work (16.5%). They also report an overall increase in work engagement by 14.4%. But what are some of the other many benefits of having dogs at work?
Here are four reasons why Bring your Dog Day 2021, is a winner for our four-legged, and two-legged, friends and colleagues, whether you have returned to the workplace full-time or are ‘hybrid working’: –
1. Help with managing serious mental health conditions
A study in 2016 by Dr Helen Brooks BSc, MRes, PhD published in BMC Psychiatry showed that pets helped people manage serious mental health problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by providing emotional support, distracting people from symptoms and contributing to a positive sense of identity.
Research has concluded since the mid-1980’s that there are positive physiological effects, especially lowered blood pressure, to petting dogs and social interaction with companion animals.
2. Improved relationships with colleagues
Walking a dog can make us more connected and give people a
reason to stop and talk, thereby increasing the number of people we meet and
giving us an opportunity for interaction. In much the same way, having a dog in
the workplace helps to create a common ground between people. Having a pet in
the office can help break the ice or create a bond that was perhaps not thought
possible. Also, pet owners tend to talk to each other, even if they don’t know
each other’s names.
Why not try the same principle in the workplace this Bring Your Dog to Work Day and see the good things that can happen as a result!
3. Better attendance
People often have an extraordinarily strong bond with their dog
and so will become, understandably, concerned when they have to leave them at
home alone for long periods. This can be especially true if their dog is sick, young,
or suffers from anxiety. Employees may want to take a day off to be with their
dog and leave to check on them during the day, or else go home slightly earlier
than usual.
When employees bring their dog to the office, they will not have to worry as much and so will be less likely to miss work due to a pet-related issue. As a result, they are more likely to be more focused and productive.
4. Good-mood booster!
Having a pet or pets at work can create a friendly greeting
for any new clients, customers, or visitors. Most people enjoy animals and will
respond in a friendlier and more relaxed manner.
A dog-friendly workplace can also show others that the company values a relaxed and ‘employee-centric’ atmosphere.
Important Reminder!
Finally, if you do take your dog into work, please make sure
they are comfortable being in that environment and can withdraw to a quiet place
to rest and access food and water, so that they, and your colleagues, are safe
and can fully enjoy the experience. An earlier paper from the University
of Lincoln team provides guidance on developing a ‘pets in the office
policy’.
Will you and your dog be taking part in Bring Your Dog to Work Day on Friday 25th June?
Even if they join you on virtual meetings if you are still working remotely, please let SCAS know by sharing your photos and stories on Facebook and Twitter. Please remember to use @BringYourDogToWorkDay #BringYourDogToWorkDay
SCAS is the UK’s leading human-companion animal bond organisation through funding research, providing education, raising awareness, encouraging best practice, and influencing the development of policies and practices that support the human-companion animal bond. For more details check out our website at www.scas.org.uk