Figures from Companion Animals New Zealand’s latest Pet Data Report show almost a third of New Zealand homes include a dog, equating to an estimated 830,000 pooches.
So it’s not surprising then that an increasing number of workplaces are allowing employees to bring their furry friends to work.
However while more employers appear to be open to the idea, research by pet insurer PD Insurance shows only 13 percent of respondents are allowed to bring their pups to work.
Chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said the research also showed many people would compromise and forgo a pay increase if employers were more dog friendly and allowed them to bring their dogs into the office on a regular basis.
“So it’s not just about training, it’s not just about the extra money or the environment, but if they could bring their loved companions with them, I think their culture and their satisfaction scores would increase as well,” she said.
A dog friendly environment was operating well in the PD Insurance office.
“We take turns bringing our dogs into the office. It just brings joy, and it’s certainly a dog friendly environment, that’s something that we promote here”.
She said it was important to keep fellow workers informed if dogs are to be brought into the workplace.
“I think if it’s not a regular thing, then I think it can be a little bit disruptive initially because people are just so pleased to see something different in the office.”
A policy for bringing pets into the workplace was advised, to ensure the rules are clear and the visits are respectful of people’s feelings.
“So making sure that you’re not forcing your pet, not everybody loves each other’s pets, and making sure that your pets are well controlled and, on a leash, as well.”
Meanwhile Michelle Le Long is encouraging dog owners and employers to take part in the annual Take Your Dog to Work Day next month.
“Again, you’ve got to just coordinate it because you want to make it a fun day for everybody.”
She would like to see more kiwi workplaces become dog-friendly.
“There’s something about having your dog sitting at your feet or just, you know, wandering around that just brings that joy and normalness into an office.”
“It’s just a wonderful thing to do.”
Michelle Le Long’s tips to taking dogs to work:
- Have a dedicated closed off “no-dogs allowed” zone. This is important for everyone with pet allergies and anyone who’s not a dog person.
- Only allow well socialised and trained dogs at the office. Set up controls to ensure only healthy, vaccinated dogs come to work.
- Make sure dogs always have clear access to an outdoor toileting area.
- Implement guidelines or rules for the pet owners to follow. The same is done for kid-friendly offices – having these office dog policy perimeters in place beforehand helps everyone feel comfortable with the situation. Get the whole company involved in making these rules.
- Transition into being a dog-friendly office gradually, taking staff feedback as you go. For the situation to be a success, you want everyone to be as satisfied with their ‘new workspace’ as possible. Try starting with one day a week/month. Then refine your setup and build from there.
