Friday Funny: Is There A Dog At Your Desk?

Today marks Pet Sitters International’s 18th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day®, so it’s a good time to find out what people really think about man’s best friend in the workplace.

Take Your Dog To Work DayHigh-profile companies such as Google, Mashable, Etsy, and Ben & Jerry’s offer pet-friendly work environments, so it’s no surprise that welcoming dogs lends companies a “cool factor,” according to a new survey by SKOUT, a global app that helps people expand their social circles.

That’s particularly true among the younger set: 51% of people surveyed say being able to bring your pooch to work makes your company a cool place to work, but for workers age 30 and under, that number increases to 58%. In fact, dogs are more popular than ping pong tables: the ability to bring your dog to work is preferred three times as much as the option of having a ping pong or foosball table.

Dogs at work are more common than you may think: 14% of everyone surveyed say they bring their dog to work, at least some of the time. People who work in an office are even more likely to bring their dog to work, with 21% saying they bring their four-legged friend to their workplace. That number could be even higher: Nearly half (46%) of people think companies should allow workers to bring their dogs to work.

Take Your Dog To Work DayWhat’s the benefit? Dogs can make you happier, more productive, and less stressed at work. Especially if you work in an office setting:

  • 74% of people surveyed say that dogs make employees feel happier in the workplace, with office workers even more likely (78%) to think so.
  • 63% of people surveyed say that dogs help lower employees’ stress levels at work. Among office workers, that jumps to 67%.
  • 43% of everyone surveyed say that dogs make employees more productive. Office workers especially think so – with 51% saying canine coworkers enhance productivity.

It’s not all dog biscuits and belly rubs, though. There are a few downsides: 9% of people surveyed say the biggest downside of having dogs in the workplace would be having to pretend they like their boss’s dog, even if they don’t.

One thing is clear, when it comes to bringing a pet to work dogs rule, cats drool: 78% of people surveyed say they prefer Take Your Dog To Work Day, while 22% prefer Take Your Cat To Work Day. (The cats would probably agree.)

Five Tips For Bringing Your Dog To Work

SKOUT has had a dog-friendly workplace for years, so its employees are no strangers to doggie etiquette in the office. Here are a few of their top tips to share with others considering bringing their dog to work.

  1. Get it approved. Just because others bring their dogs in, does not mean it is a free for all. Make sure you have all the necessary approvals from management, and understand any ground rules, before you bring your pooch. (Ryan, QA)
  2. Don’t delegate. Remember that as the dog owner you are 100% responsible, 100% of the time for your pet’s well being, behavior, and biological needs. Don’t ask your team to walk or clean up after your dog! (Kristen, Human Resources)
  3. Bring on the goodies! Just like people enjoy snacks and games in the break room, so do your dogs. Biscuits and toys can help you encourage positive interactions with your dog and your co-workers throughout the day. (Nikki, Marketing and owner of Apollo, Nova, Stars and Verse)
  4. Remember doggie hygiene. The only thing worse than a smelly coworker is a smelly dog! Give Fido a bath and proper grooming before bringing him to work. (Mark, Creative Director and owner of Spanky)
  5. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for your dog, too! Feed your dog before going to work, so they don’t get “hangry” and nip your co-workers. (Jane, Marketing and owner of Jakey and The Bean-Dog)

2 COMMENTS

  1. With so many people having pet allergies, it can be a dangerous proposition. Even from a nice harmless pet.

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