On Friday 23rd June 2017, businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal (and well-behaved!) four-legged companions.
Ahead of this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day, the event’s founders have published guidance for HR departments of the companies who want to take part.
Natural pet product company HOWND has devised 7 HR guidelines after being asked for advice from a number of office-based organisations:
- Written consent should be obtained from every office employee ahead of Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
- An accurate record of all dogs in the workplace should be kept.
- Each dog coming into the workplace should be kept on a leash while walking in the building, as well as outside, and should have an identity tag with the owner’s contact details.
- Dogs must be clean and well-groomed ahead of their day at work.
- Dogs should be well socialised i.e. good natured and comfortable around dogs and people.
- Each participating employee should bring a “Dog Packed Lunch” – including treats, toys, a lead, water bowl, and food.
- Each participating employee should also bring appropriate bedding for their dog, i.e. dog basket, mat or rug. Just so the working day is as comfortable as possible!
Research conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University showed an 11% reduction in the stress levels of employees when dogs were present in the office, which is significant enough to turn the heads of dog owners and team motivators in a range of companies.
Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND, said: “The presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace. Increased job satisfaction, team cooperation and morale have all been reported in employees that spend the workday with their pets”.
Raising money for animal welfare and promoting the benefits of bringing dogs into safe work environments are both aims of the event founder HOWND.
Businesses that wish to take part can do so as “Business Sponsors”. Previous years saw a wide range of businesses from across many industries getting involved. Companies such as Scottish & Southern Electric, Private Fly, Shore Capital and Henry Schein as well as a host of UK pet businesses have all sponsored in the past.
The two official charities for 2017 are All Dogs Matter and Animals Asia.