The Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

By Langley Cornwell

Many years ago I worked for an uptight company. At this particular organization, we outsourced most of our marketing communication duties to local firms. Luckily, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in a variety of creative environments. As you might expect, most of these businesses had a relaxed atmosphere and an upbeat feeling, much different from the office where I worked. Visiting those creative firms was a nice break from the strict corporate structure I worked in. There was one specific advertising agency that I gravitated towards more than the rest, however, and they continued to earn our business. For some reason their campaigns were especially fresh, exciting and on target. Not only did I find myself granting them the majority of our business, I also found myself spending more and more time in their offices. I liked being there for many reasons but I have to confess, the main I wanted to hang out there is because I fell in love.

I fell in love with their office dog! As I said, the environment I worked in was tight, but when I walked into their workplace I was greeted by a big, goofy, sweet mutt. Being able to step out of the rigors of my job, being able to pet and love and smell a dog in the middle of the day was like drinking a tall glass of cold water on a scorching hot day. Suddenly I had a better perspective on things; suddenly things didn’t seem so difficult. It was wonderful.

The owner of the advertising agency believed that having a dog in the office improved his employees’ creative output. He was convinced that he had a brighter, happier, healthier organization because of their four-legged mascot. I agreed with him, and longed for a job where I could take my dog to work with me.

Most of us know that sharing our homes with pets has a positive impact on our emotional and physical health. The Dogster Blog reports on a recent study in the International Journal of Workplace Health and Management. This study convincingly documents the fact that the positive effects pets have on us extend beyond our homes and into our places of work. I didn’t need a study to tell me that, though. Obviously, the workplace is where many of us spend a great deal of our time.

Being able to take your dog to work is not only good for you, it also benefits the dog. Dogs are social creatures; they love to be with their humans all day instead having to wait it out at home. More and more workplaces are getting on board with this concept. And even if you don’t work for a dog-friendly company like CANIDAE (which encourages their employees to bring their dogs to the office every day), you may be able to bring your pooch along on Take Your Dog to Work Day, which is June 22 this year. If you need some ammunition to convince your boss, visit the official TYDTWDay website.

And me? I finally did get a job where I can bring our sweet dog to work. It’s gratifying to have her with me all day. I feel a sense of calmness when I look up from my work and catch her eye. What’s more, I found that taking her out for breaks and fresh air is as good for me as it is for her. Clearing my mind once in a while allows me to come back to the task at hand with a renewed concentration, which I like. I tend to stay in at the office longer than I used to because I don’t have to rush home and let her out, which my employer likes. And having my dog at work allows me to be more productive and creative, which we both like.

Can you take your dog to work?

Photo by John O'Nolan

Read more articles by Langley Cornwell