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6 Benefits of Having a Dog in the Workplace You Should Know About

Codee Chessher

By Codee Chessher

woman working with her dog at a pet-friendly workplace

All dog parents know being with their precious pup makes them feel better, but the workplace is starting to realize it too! Informal holidays like Take Your Dog to Work Day offer a unique opportunity for your furry friend to accompany you to that mythical place you go all day when they’re bored at home.

Many people don’t know that bringing your dog to work has several other surprising benefits as well, so check them out below for a better understanding and so you can better convince your boss to let Fido tag along with you more often.

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The 6 Benefits of Having a Dog in the Workplace

1. It Encourages Employees to Take Breaks

Dogs need regular breaks to go potty and avoid getting bored, just like us. At work, regular breaks to take your dog out can give you some fresh air, exercise, and the chance to think over tough problems. The refreshing break might just be what you need to approach things in a different way. Even coworkers without pups of their own will want to take a minute to give your dog a pet or two.

male owner hugging his dog
Image Credit: Lizardflms, Shutterstock

2. Dogs Reduce Stress

Dogs are scientifically proven to reduce stress when you pet them, and their goofy grins are hard to frown at in any setting.1 In the linked study, people who brought their dog to work reported lower stress levels than employees who didn’t have a dog.

Most tellingly, the people with dogs reported higher stress when their dog was no longer with them later on. Nobody does their best work when they’re stressed out, so this seems like a win for the dog parents to us.


3. Enhances Work-Life Balance

People who spend a lot of time at work know the toll it can take on your friends, family, and yes, your dog too. Pet-friendly office policies give employees a chance to make up for lost time by letting their dogs hang out with them while they go about their daily duties. This goes along with the anti-stress effect as well because you’ll be less anxious about not spending enough time with your furry friend off the clock if they’re with you at work.

employees with pet dog in an office


4. Boosts Productivity & Morale

Tough deadlines and unreasonable coworkers are more manageable if you have your adoring pup at your side. Even if they’re just lying at your feet, your dog can help provide moral support to get you through those bad days at work when you just want to go home and crawl into bed. Dog-friendly coworkers will also appreciate the burst of positivity that goes along with having a happy-go-lucky pooch nearby.


5. Saves Money on Doggy Daycare

Kids and pets alike are expensive to take care of when you’re not at home, and those dog-walking bills add up. Pet-friendly workplaces don’t just help workers keep positive but actively save money you’d otherwise pay to a dog walker. Simply take your regular breaks to spend time with your dog and disconnect from work, and don’t forget that you’re saving cash at the same time.

young women employees and a dog in the office
Image By: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

6. Promotes Health

Offices can get a stale, sedentary atmosphere very fast, but allowing dogs in changes that. They need regular breaks to not only go potty but also get some exercise in, which keeps you active too. Coworkers might even be compelled to join in and have a quick chat while you walk your dog, which can have the side effect of boosting collaboration. You may even find some new solutions to your most pressing tasks on one of these walks—it really helps your brain to get the blood flowing!

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Conclusion

Dogs are one of the most beloved parts of our lives, and some brilliant employers have caught on that they’re a net win for productivity. Their mere presence encourages you to stay active, positive, and efficient.

 

Featured Image Credit: Josep Suria, Shutterstock

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