It might seem like an indulgence to pet owners, but having furry friends in the workplace is more than just a sop for animal lovers. It brings a sense of wellbeing and humanity to the workplace.
Touching might be off limits at work …
OK, so touching in the workplace is inappropriate. Sheesh, even I know that. But patting and touching an animal has legit health benefits. Even doctors say so. My dog powers are all about calm. If my doggy senses pick up any tension, I make it my business to loll on over and start nuzzling a hand or leg – and I’m never inappropriate. Before you know it, not only do I get an ear rub, but the mood of the room is back to my preferred state – zen.
All I need to do is look up at you as you sigh/roll your eyes/groan quietly and I know that makes you feel better. I’m not picky. I do it for everyone. Not just my owner.
I am great at encouraging people to walk instead of sit
I hear you humans spend $712 million a month on health and fitness activities when walking me costs nothing. That’s $0.
Whenever I hear my lead jangle, I offer a hopeful, imploring look to encourage you to stroll with me. You like it. I like it. There should be a workplace policy on these dog walking meetings, am I right?
Why have meetings sitting down in a chair when you can talk and chat and get out in the fresh air?
People sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day – more than we even sleep. “Getting out of the box leads to out of the box thinking,” says Nilofer Marchant. Watch her video. I also like people who get out the box … of Schmackos.
Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, turn it into a “walking meeting”. Let ideas flow while you walk and talk.
All the cool kids are doing it
One of our partners visited Canva, a software design business now valued at $US1billion. She told me there were dogs all over the place, cos Canva’s 315 Sydney employees have a dog-friendly warehouse-style workplace. “Dogs don’t get evicted,” head of vibe Chris Low told her. But surely no-one likes a yappy dog, or one that leaves a widdle in the middle of the floor? A good dogs and workplace policy is probs best for large workplaces.
But what about other pets? Well, Google once claimed “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture”. That’s a big statement, right? Some people prefer fish (and apparently caring for fish is very good for diabetic teenagers) while others like a cat. Google also said, “We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out”. And that’s the thing. Some pets are perfectly fine being left at home while people go out to work. We canine types probably like to be around people all the time. Like, always. All. The. Time.