Four-Legged Coworkers
The office isn’t just for people anymore
A day at the office can be full of stress. Workload, interpersonal relationships and even lackluster décor can all affect your mood when at work. So, what can improve those 40-plus hours you spend under those fluorescent lights? Dogs.
Some companies have begun to take a different approach when it comes to office guests. They have begun inviting pets into the work environment. With a pooch running around the office, demanding attention and requiring bathroom trips, it could seem that they would act as distractions. But, Big Idea Company in Mishawaka and Force 5 in South Bend have both seen great benefits to welcoming their four-legged friends into the office.
Of course a few ground rules do help keep the peace. Melinda Pierce, vice president of Big Idea Company, explained, “The important thing about a pet-friendly office is that there are some pretty strict rules. For example, the dogs must be lovers. That is, we do not tolerate possessive or aggressive dogs. They need to get along with each other and treat employees and clients like family.”
With rules in place, here are just a few ways that being a pet-friendly workplace can improve the work environment:
Relieve Stress
Pets can play an important role in relieving stress. Pierce has found this to be true with her three office dogs: a golden retriever/Labrador retriever, a greyhound and a German shorthaired pointer.
“Like a lot of businesses, ours can be busy and stressful at times. It’s seldom dull here,” she said. “The dogs really help to create a relaxed environment. They’re a lot like people, but funnier and often much more lovable. They all have different personalities and their different antics can really keep you laughing.”
At Force 5, they have a West Highland white terrier and a bichon frise who help the staff relax. “They are stress relievers – they lower blood pressure. I mean, how can you be stressed when you look under your desk and there is a dog in his bed, flat on his back with all four feet in the air and snoring?” said David Morgan, co-founder. “They bring smiles and laughter to the workplace, which is always a good thing.”
Start Conversations
Both Big Idea and Force 5 welcome clients into their offices, which could make for some interesting encounters when dogs are involved. But, Deb DeFreeuw, Force 5 co-founder, has found that the dogs have only enhanced those meetings. “The clients love them and having the dogs here usually prompts discussions about their own dogs.” In fact, some clients even bring treats with them to give to the dogs.
According to Pierce, their clients have been just as receptive. “I have to say, most of our clients love the dogs. Some insist that we get them out when they’re here for meetings, and we have a few who pop in unannounced once-in-awhile just for a “doggie-fix.” Usually, they’ll bring some treats or something when that happens. We are very lucky to have such great clients.”
Encourage Exercise
Dogs need time outdoors throughout the day, which Pierce has found to be an added benefit. “They also help us get a little exercise because they like to walk around the building – our property is about the size of a football field. So, the walks are good for everyone, not just the dogs.”
Make New Friends
Having pets in the workplace cannot only increase already existing business relationships, but they can also forge new relationships. Pierce explained how one of their dogs was able to help another business in the same building. “One of our tenants in the building runs a day program for adults with developmental disabilities. One day, one of their clients was having a bad day. He was out in the parking lot and refusing to go inside with everyone else. I guess he’d been sitting out there for almost 20 minutes, and the staff just couldn’t get him to budge. Well, I happened to be walking Domingo, the greyhound, around the building at the time. As I came around the corner, one of the staff members yelled, ‘Hey, there’s a dog!’ All of a sudden, the client stood up and walked right over to meet Domingo. After giving Domingo some pets and loving talk, he was happy to go inside. The dog had done what half a dozen staff people had been unable to do. It was amazing.”
Increase Family Time
One of the best advantages to being a pet-friendly office is getting to spend even more time with the animals you love. “I can’t imagine going to the office without our dogs. We’re here so much. They remind us to slow down and take time for ourselves and them,” Morgan said. “We believe our pets are family and should be treated as such. We love bringing our pets to work – they relax us, invigorate us and keep us grounded. They remind us of the important things in life: relationships, whether they are with our animals or with each other.”
Animals at the office can have great benefits and become natural fixtures. As DeFreeuw said, “I don't know that I could ever be in a situation where I couldn't have my dogs with me at work. Now I just have to figure out how to get the two cats here – they hate to ride in the car.”
