Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Furthermore, last year more than a quarter (26%) of Aussies became new pet parents. Not surprisingly, this is leading to calls for more pet-friendly workplaces.

Did you know that today (June 25) is National Take Your Dog to Work Day? The problem is some businesses refuse point blank to allow our furry friends in the workplace.

Why? Well, there are lots of reasons from workplace health and safety to distraction issues and the problem of who is responsible for cleaning the poop off the office floor (Let’s not go there!).

However, research shows pet-friendly workplace benefits can include better work-life balance (27%), better relationships with colleagues (15%), better productivity (15%) and better focus (13%).

What’s more, the research (conducted by Mars Petcare Australia) shows that businesses that allow pets are much more attractive to potential new employees. Indeed, more than half (51%) of the nation says they are more likely to take on a new job with an employer who supports pets in the workplace.

Furry benefits

Certainly, National Take Your Dog to Work Day is the puurfect opportunity to have a conversation with your employer about allowing pets in the workplace.

The best way to go about this is to start by discussing the benefits of creating a pet-friendly workplace. Animal Behaviourist Dr Tammie King advises, “It’s important to open the discussion around Australian workplaces becoming pet-friendly. Introducing pets into the workplace can offer a sense of comfort, lower stress and lead to increased productivity.

“After a year spent working from home, due to COVID, we hope to see employers encouraging their teams to bring their furry friends to the office not just on Take Your Dog To Work Day, but every day.”

So what exactly does a pet-friendly workplace look like? Eight out of 10 of the Mars Petcare respondents say they support pet-friendly workplaces as long as they contain a pet-free zone.

However, if businesses are willing to allow pets in the office they may need to consider making a few design changes. Pet lovers who support the idea of pet-friendly workplaces are also calling for:

  • Increased outdoor access (34%)
  • Redesigned floor plans to allow for free (and restricted) movement for their fur pals (28%)
  • Doggy daycare facilities (20%)
  • Bespoke furniture designed with dogs in mind (11%)
  • Free food and snacks for fur pals (7%)

That’s not asking for much, is it?!

Tips for office petiquette

Of course, we can’t have dogs, big and small, free-roaming around the office. That would surely end in disaster. So, any employer who is thinking about allowing pets in the office needs a plan. Dr King offers the following tips.

Create a ‘pet-etiquette’ policy

Sure, having our barking buddies in the workplace can create a sense of comfort, help relieve stress and, in some cases, improve productivity. However, having dogs in the workplace is a privilege and it’s imperative that owners take full responsibility and respect surrounding work areas and people. A formal policy can help ensure everyone has a positive experience. All guidelines, rules and controls must be adhered to, to ensure the health and safety of both people and pets on site

Consider an approval process

Having a Cavoodle in the office is a little different from bringing a Great Dane to work. Employees who wish to bring their dog to work could request approval that includes health and behaviour considerations—not to mention size!

Employees could also have an induction for all new owners and pets, including a tour of the office and confirming the areas in which dogs are allowed.

Offer a trial period

Employers that aren’t completely convinced could consider offering an initial trial period. Set up clear guidelines for in-office behaviour (e.g. providing dogs with adequate water and sufficient space to stand and lie down). Be clear which areas dogs must be on-lead and which areas they are allowed off-lead. Perhaps start with a 4-week trial period and go from there.

Introduce a two-strike rule

You can’t run an office with a dog barking excessively, so how about introducing a two-“ruff” ruling? Jot down the guidelines and if a dog breaks the rules (i.e. damages property, makes a mess etc) a strike is issued.

Strikes are valid for 12 months. Dogs will not be allowed to return to the office if more than two strikes are issued. This is to ensure that ‘dogs in the office’ is a positive experience for everyone.

 

What’s your experience of pet-friendly workplaces?

 

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