Pooches in the workplace can stop the economy going to the dogs

Employees, businesses and the national economy could benefit from allowing dogs in the office, a charity is claiming.

The League Against Cruel Sports are celebrating ‘man’s best friend’ by advocating the health and financial benefits of allowing employees to bring their dogs to work with them.

A study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management1 found that access to dogs was a calming influence and reduced stress levels, whether people had access to their own pets or other people’s. With 10 million working days lost last year in the UK due to stress-related illness, pets in the workplace could provide the secret spark to boost productivity.

Eduardo Gonçalves, CEO of the League said: “The health benefits of having dogs accompanying you during your daily 9-5 speak for themselves. Looking at the bigger picture, dogs in the workplace will result in fewer sick days, employers saving on sick pay and the economy ultimately saving money on healthcare costs.

“While some may think the idea of bringing pets to work is barking mad, it could in fact stop the economy from going to the dogs.”

Pet therapy is being increasingly recognised as a modern medical miracle. Not only is it reported to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, research also shows it contributes to greater proactivity in the workplace.

Allowing dogs into the workplace appears to have plenty of benefits for employees and the office environment. Aside from boosting morale and performance, playing with or petting our four-legged companions can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.

A dog-friendly office also provides opportunities for exercise, giving pet owners an excuse to get out of the office and take a walk on their lunchbreak. A dog is a constant reminder to get up, stretch your legs and take a brief pause from your screen. Research has suggested that remaining seated for too long is bad for your health, and could be linked to being overweight and obese, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and even premature death as highlighted in a major report recently published in The Lancet2.

Mr Gonçalves said: “Of course, bringing dogs to work won’t be for everyone and workplaces welcoming pets would need to ensure that allergies or fear of dogs are managed, as well as making sure pets are well-behaved. However, if more employers allowed pets in the workplace, people would feel more able to adopt the large dogs currently languishing in rehoming centres, and also reduce ‘doggy daycare’ costs incurred by many workers – as well as the distraction of wondering if your lonely pooch is tearing up the house.”

Cal Strode, Mental Health Foundation said: “It may sound silly, but for some workplaces this could really work quite well. In recognition of potential benefits pets can bring to environments, over 40 US and Australian airports are now bringing in ‘pet ambassadors’ to help ease anxiety and stress in passengers.”

The League Against Cruel Sports has eight dogs accompanying their owners to work at their head office in Godalming, Surrey. In a recent survey, the organisation’s staff were asked to give their verdict on whether they thought it was a good idea, and if so, why. Responses included:

“Petting a dog provides a non-smoking smoking break, and smokers work that little bit harder to ‘earn’ their break.

“As an employee with an Autism Spectrum Condition who is High Functioning, I find it very beneficial to have dogs for the purposes of time-outs and to stave off potential melt-downs.”

“Working in a busy office environment can be tough, and having dogs in the office can be a source of comfort and help to relax. It also gives staff a common ground, which can be good for team building and encouraging positive, constructive conversation”

Jo Lister, an independent Human Resources consultant said: “I have come to realise, through my work with the League, that pets trigger positive workplace interactions that wouldn’t normally take place. These help with well-being, confidence in communicating, team-work, knowledge-sharing, personal support and general happiness in the workplace.”

Animal assisted therapy is used to help treat people living with mental health problems, victims of abuse, and to combat addiction. Hospitals in the US also treat veterans suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and children with learning difficulties. Less well known medical literature shows it relieves pain in sick children and improves outcomes for young people fighting leukaemia.

In the UK, pet therapy is also growing and is increasingly used in care homes helping elderly people with dementia.

The League is calling on all employers, where suitable to give employees the opportunity to bring their canine friends to work with them.