Berlin. It is not only creative agencies that have taken to dogs. More and more companies are now realising what a positive effect a dog can have on employees in the office and are allowing them to bring a dog to work. This was also the result of a study by Weenect, the French market leader for GPS trackers for dogs and cats. 62.5 percent of the 902 customers surveyed from Germany, France, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland take their dog to work with them, of which more than half of the employees (52.98 percent) and almost every self-employed person with 90.11 percent.
Thanks to Corona – the transformation of the world of work makes it possible
An impressive number that can also be attributed to the changed working situation since the pandemic. According to the German Kennel Club (VDH) the number of dog purchases rose by at least 20 percent during the lockdown, as it was easier to look after the four-legged friend while working from home. But since the end of the pandemic, more and more companies have been calling their employees back to the office – and with them their new four-legged companions. Because where are they supposed to stay when their owners are in the office all day? And in the battle for talent, companies are now more accommodating to special requests than before. That's why 52.7 percent of those who take their dog to the office even bring their four-legged friend with them every day. Around a fifth bring their dog to the office two to three times.
Keeping an eye on the dog’s needs – veterinarian Sylvia Masson explains
Interestingly, the majority of office dogs (48.35 percent) spends a typical working day of seven to eight hours in the office. That sounds like a long time at first. “But if the dog has a quiet place to sleep, feels comfortable in the office and also gets regular breaks in the fresh air, which both owners benefit from, then it can be much less stressful for the dog than if it has to wait alone at home,” explains veterinarian and Weenect expert Sylvia Masson. “But a dog should be slowly accustomed to it. Start with half a day so that the dog gets to know the surroundings, people and processes and then extend it little by little,” she advises. “Frequent licking, constant yawning, restlessness and, in the worst case, barking and growling are warning signs. Then the dog is overwhelmed and at that point the stay should be terminated.”
Characteristics of an Office Dog and its needs
But is every dog suitable for spending a day in the office? “There is no general breed recommendation for the office dog per se. It is more important that the dog has a balanced character and is friendly towards people,” explains Sylvia Masson. Some companies already require this as a condition, although only 13.65 percent of those surveyed confirmed that bringing a dog into the office was regulated. These rules, however, include, for example, vaccinations, deworming and leash requirements, and placing the dog behind the desk. In some cases, dogs are only allowed on certain floors or in individual offices. “Ultimately, it is about ensuring that work continues to be productive and harmonious for all colleagues. Consideration for people who are allergic to animal hair or are afraid of animals is a basic requirement.”
But the dog's needs should also be taken into account. “It often happens that employees go to the dog without asking, pet it or encourage it to play, which can be counterproductive when the dog has just calmed down. The dog's sleeping place should be off-limits so that the animal has a safe space in which it can relax. And only a relaxed dog can create a relaxed atmosphere in the office,” explains Sylvia Masson.
The animal wellness officer in the office
The majority of employees also agree that the atmosphere in the office changes when a dog is brought into the office. (77.2 percent) of the Weenect respondents. 83.4 percent find the atmosphere to be significantly more positive. Half (50.7 percent) perceive colleagues as more open and relaxed and even the dog owner feels more relaxed (48.1 percent). Only 0.95 percent find colleagues more annoyed than usual.
And what if there are several dogs in the office at the same time? Does that increase the fun and relaxation?
Two office dogs mean twice as much fun? Yes and no. A visit to the Weenect office.
At Weenect, the GPS tracking company for dogs and cats, dog visits are a matter of course. But there are rules, especially when two dogs don't get along. Co-founder and Head of Sales Bénédicte de Villemeur-Vieille and Eleonora Face, Event Coordinator, had to realize this. Their two male dogs, 'Sid', a nine-year-old mixed breed, and the six-year-old Shiba Inu named 'Yako', are both very quiet office companions as long as they are alone on site.
“Sid likes to sleep at the feet under the desk, while Shiba sometimes cheekily sits in front of the computer himself. Unfortunately, the two can't stand each other, which occasionally led to aggressive incidents in the office,” says Bénédicte de Villemeur Vieille. “Since then, we have introduced a system where we coordinate and bring the dogs to the office individually on different days.”
However, if they are both there at the same time, they must be kept in separate rooms. This means they are under significantly less stress, but are still with their owners and the team can work in peace.
“If you can, let the dogs get to know each other outside first,” advises Sylvia Masson. If dogs get to know each other in a relaxed manner on neutral ground and the relationship is stabilized during a walk together, then the dogs should also accept each other in the office – for a harmonious working atmosphere for two-legged and four-legged friends.