I often bring my dog Cairo, a Yorkshire Terrier, to work and receive comments such as: “He’s made my day”, or “I was in the worst mood, but now 😊” and “Why isn’t he here all the time?”. My colleagues are smiling, down on the ground giving Cairo pats or food and you can see that they are genuinely happy.
Bringing dogs to work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only do dogs bring joy and companionship to the workplace, they can also provide a range of health benefits for employees.
What makes dogs beneficial for our health in the workplace?
- Having a dog in the workplace can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety levels among employees. Patting a dog has been found to decrease the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and relaxation.
- Having a dog in the office can also increase physical activity among teams. Taking the dog for a walk or simply playing for a few minutes can provide a much-needed break from sitting at a desk all day and encourages more movement.
- Dogs are great icebreakers and are naturally happy to say hello to anyone, which can help improve social connections among people.
- Dogs are known for their ability to bring joy and happiness into people’s lives, and the workplace is no exception. Having a furry friend around can boost morale and create a more positive and fun atmosphere in the office.
Dogs can offer unconditional love and support without judgment, making them an excellent source of comfort for those going through a tough time. In the workplace, dogs can provide various health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, promoting physical activity, and fostering social connections.
If your workplace permits it, consider bringing your fur baby to work and observe the positive impact it can have on the wellbeing of both yourself and your colleagues. I feel fortunate to work in an office that welcomes dogs, and I enjoy seeing the delight on my colleagues’ faces when my dog, Cairo, comes to visit. The question I get asked the most from my work mates when I am in the office without him is, “Where’s Cairo?”.
