Why Having a Dog Day at Work is a Genius Idea

Every business is looking for an edge. And many of the traditional methods for attracting top talent and improving company culture, including cash bonuses and lavish employee perks, can be either costly or difficult to put in place.

Well, here is an idea you might not have tried yet: Organize a “bring your dog to work” day! It’s inexpensive (in fact, it might not cost the company a thing) and it’s a great way to bring some new energy into your office.

Here is a look at some of the benefits that come with allowing dogs in the workplace:

Dogs Lead to Better Social Connections

Dog owners see this scenario play out every day: You’re out for a walk with your dog, and up comes a stranger who eagerly greets and pets your little pooch. Before long you’ve made formal introductions and are chatting like old friends.

Not surprisingly, the research backs up this phenomenon. This study actually shows that pets act as “social catalysts,” leading to better connections between strangers or – in our case – coworkers! There is also evidence that people who form strong connections with animals also form strong interpersonal connections. Talk about a team-builder.

Dogs Provide Exercise

It should come as no surprise, but studies show that dog owners are much more physically active than those without a dog. And since we are starting to learn more about the dangers of spending too much of our workdays sitting, welcoming canines in the office could be a great way to care for your team’s long-term health.

Dogs Can Actually Lower Your Stress

Research shows that during a difficult or stressful task, having a canine companion present can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. This could improve the productivity and accuracy of your work. In addition, people who bring their dogs to work produce lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress in the body.

Pets Can Keep Workers More Healthy

Did you know that stress actually weakens the immune system? This means that the more stressed your workers are, the more likely they are to get sick. Since having a dog nearby has been proven to lower stress levels in the body, having a recurring dog day at work could lead to healthier employees.

Owners Feel Happier Just Looking at a Dog

Many pet owners know that just looking at your pooch can make their tail start wagging. But did you know that humans experience the same effect? Studies show that simply seeing your dog can release increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone tied to increased feelings of relaxation, trust, and psychological stability.

Dogs at the Office Lead to Better Productivity

By now, it should be clear that allowing dogs in your office can lead to more open communication and lower levels of stress. But canine co-workers can also produce more frequent opportunities for mental breaks, which have actually shown to increase productivity. Having a pup around encourages workers to take a break when needed, keeping their minds fresh and focused.