Hot Dog! Why Embracing Pet-Friendly Policies Promotes a Positive Work Culture

Over the past three years, companies have been far more focused on overall employee well-being due to the burnout crisis and the aftermath of the pandemic. More than 40% of knowledge workers or those who can work remotely feel overworked and stressed at work. 

But I have a pet theory for how organizations can successfully address workplace burnout: Embrace dog-friendly policies and offer pet insurance as an employee benefit.

A 2021 Willis Towers Watson study found that pet insurance is one of the five fastest-growing employee benefits, with almost half of U.S. employers offering it. And a separate survey discovered that 78% of remote workers would go back to the office and stay with their companies if they were allowed to bring their pets to work. Dog-friendly policies get everyone’s tail wagging.

There are a lot of reasons why more employers need to get on the pet train now, but most importantly it may create a more positive work culture. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by the Cesar pet food brand, more than 70% of employee dog owners in dog-friendly offices report higher levels of satisfaction with their office environment, and 96% of dog-owning employees say bringing their dog to the office impacts their enjoyment of being in the office. 

Employees and employers alike largely hold positive associations with the culture of a company that allows dogs in the office, citing words like welcoming, happy, fun, and flexible most often.

Six reasons employers should consider creating a dog-friendly office

1. Promotes office attendance. Among employers in that Cesar brand survey, a substantial majority with dog-friendly policies (87%) say these perks have made employees more likely to return to the office. And, among those employers who lack such a policy, about half (54%) expect a dog-friendly benefit would encourage employees to return to the office, potentially underestimating the effect cited by the employers who have already embraced such policies.

2. Improves work-life balance. Allowing dogs in the office can help employees balance their work and personal lives by reducing the amount of time they need to spend away from their pets during the workday.

3. Enhances employee wellness. Interacting with pets can help reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Allowing dogs in the office can provide employees with a natural stress-relieving activity, which can contribute to improved physical and mental health.

4. Increases socialization and collaboration. Dogs can help break down barriers and increase socialization and collaboration among employees. They can serve as conversation starters and help employees connect with one another in a non-work-related context.

5. Boosts employer brand. Companies that create dog-friendly offices may improve their employer brand and appeal to a wider range of job candidates. This can help attract top talent and enhance the overall reputation of the company.

6. Embraces the moment. Nearly 50% of offices that are not currently dog-friendly would consider this perk. And it’s easier than you think. Cesar is launching Workplace Grants, which are powered by the Better Cities for Pets program and are designed to help businesses make simple changes to welcome dogs into their offices or to further enhance their current dog-friendly offerings.

The potential benefits of pet-friendly policies at work are clear, but many companies don’t know where to start. When creating dog-friendly workplace policies, it is important to establish clear guidelines and expectations to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of all employees and their furry companions.

Four elements that employers should consider including in dog-friendly workplace policies

1. Eligibility and approval process. Define which employees are eligible to bring their dogs to the workplace and establish a clear approval process. This may include vaccination requirements, behavior assessments, or size/weight restrictions.

2. Code of conduct. Specify expected behavior for both dogs and owners, such as requiring dogs to be well-behaved, house-trained, and nonaggressive. Outline guidelines for dog owners to ensure they maintain control and clean up after their dogs, including waste disposal protocols.

3. Workplace health and safety measures. Require dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations and free from contagious illnesses. Set guidelines for preventing and managing potential allergies, such as designating specific dog-free areas or ensuring proper ventilation, whether it’s limited to specific offices, common areas, or entire floors. Include safety measures like leash requirements and procedures for handling emergencies or dog-related incidents. Provide resources like water bowls, designated rest areas, or dog-friendly amenities to ensure dogs’ comfort.

4. Communication and awareness. Develop channels for effective communication, and provide employees with guidelines, training, or orientation sessions before they bring their dogs to work. Promote awareness and open dialogue between dog owners and colleagues who don’t have dogs to address concerns or conflicts that may arise. Consider implementing a trial period to assess the impact of the policy on the workplace environment. Regularly evaluate the policy’s effectiveness and make adjustments based on feedback and observed outcomes.

It is crucial to consult legal and HR professionals to ensure that the policy complies with local laws, regulations, and the specific needs of the company. By establishing comprehensive dog-friendly workplace policies, employers can create an environment that fosters harmony, productivity, and inclusivity for all employees — and their dogs.

This post was originally published in the Workplace Intelligence Newsletter.

Dan Schawbel is a New York Times best-selling author and managing partner of Workplace Intelligence. Dan has spent his career researching and advising on workplace and career success. He's the author of three career books: Back to Human, Promote Yourself, and Me 2.0. Dan has conducted dozens of research studies and worked with major brands including Oracle, WeWork, American Express, Amazon, Facebook, and Coca-Cola. In addition, Dan has written for publications such as TIME, Forbes, the Harvard Business Review, The Economist, and the World Economic Forum. He currently publishes the LinkedIn Workplace Intelligence Newsletter and hosts the 5 Questions podcast with guests that have included Richard Branson, Natalie Portman, Stacey Abrams, and Marcus Lemonis.

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