Pawsitively Productive: Bring Your Dog To Work Day

Bring Your Dog To Work Day is an annual event that started in 2014 by ethical pet product company HOWND®. This nationwide event is designed to raise money for animal welfare charities, and has become very popular with thousands of businesses and dog owners participating in the fun-filled day. Every year the event raises funds for chosen charities. If you want to organize this day in your office, mark June 23 on your calendar!

Many companies in the UK allow employees to bring their dogs to work on this day. Some examples of companies that have participated in the past include Google, Amazon, and Ben & Jerry’s.

The history of National Take Your Dog To Work Day

In the UK, this day has been celebrated for a decade, but in the US, the initiative has been successful for many years. News and unconventional approaches to office work come to us from across the ocean. In America, Take Your Dog To Work Day was first recognized in 1999 involving about 300 businesses.

Are you allowed to bring your dog to work in the UK if you want to celebrate this day?

Whether or not you are allowed to take your dog to work in the UK depends on your employer’s policies. There is no law in the UK that specifically prohibits dogs in the workplace, but it’s up to individual companies to decide if they are dog friendly and set their own policies regarding pets. 

How do you ask if you can bring your dog to work?

1. Research company policies: Before asking your employer, it’s a good idea to research the company’s policies on pets in the workplace. Check your company’s employee handbook or speak to your HR representative to see if there are any rules or guidelines in place.
2. Plan ahead: Once you have researched company policies, think about how you will manage your dog at work. Will your dog need a crate or bed to rest in? Will you need to take your dog out for bathroom breaks? Be sure to plan ahead and address any potential concerns your employer may have.
3. Schedule a meeting: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to discuss the possibility of bringing your dog to work. Be sure to emphasize the benefits of having a dog in the workplace, such as increased morale and productivity.
4. Address any concerns: Your employer may have concerns about safety, hygiene, or potential allergies. Be prepared to address these concerns and offer solutions, such as keeping your dog on a leash or having them vaccinated.

Keep in mind!

1. Allergies – ask employees if they are allergic to animals. The employer must ensure that all employees can work safely, so this is a definite obstacle.
2. Phobias – as in the case of allergies, you must take care of the well-being of your co-workers. If you are a dog lover, it may seem strange to you, but there is a phobia of dogs called cynophobia.

The benefits of having dogs at work

1. Reduced stress:  Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found a significant difference in feeling stress between days when a dog was with an employee and when it was absent. Taking a dog to work can help create a more relaxed and positive work environment.
2. Increased social interaction: Dogs can serve as social barrier breakers, helping to encourage communication between employees. A research study called “Dogs at the Workplace: A Multiple Case Study“ shows that dogs at work often act as an icebreaker. Bringing your pet to work attracts the attention of everyone but what’s important – of people who, perhaps due to working in different departments, find it difficult to find a common topic to talk about. Having a dog in the office is a topic that allows you to easily start a conversation with anyone. This can lead to increased collaboration and teamwork.
3. Greater job satisfaction: The study mentioned above also demonstrates that having a dog in the workplace equals paying attention to it from time to time. However, job flexibility is one of the most important aspects of work for modern employees. Owning office dogs proves the employer’s progressive approach to the changing trends on the labour market.
4. Increased productivity: Dogs are known to boost morale and create a positive atmosphere in the workplace. A study conducted by the University of Lincoln “Taking Dogs Into the Office” indicates that people who often take their dog to the office show greater vigor, which means energy, persistence, and effort in working but also control at work because they have to show more responsibility.

There are several companies in the UK that allow employees to bring their dogs to work. Here are a few examples:

• BrewDog: This Scottish craft beer company is well-known for being dog-friendly. All of its 47 bars are open to dogs, and at their headquarters in Scotland, there are 50 dogs that are part of the office culture. Not only they allow the presence of dogs among employees and customers, but also they introduced unique benefit to its employees known as Puppy Parental Leave or Pawternity leave. This policy allows employees to take time off to care for their new furry family members. Under this policy, staff members are entitled to one week of paid leave when they adopt a puppy or rescue a dog from a shelter. This is in addition to their standard time off and can be taken as a standalone week or added to their existing vacation time.

• Google: Google’s London office is dog-friendly, and employees are allowed to bring their dogs to work with them. They offer a large office dog pack called the Dooglers. The contents of the Dooglers welcome kit can vary depending on the location and availability, but it typically includes a number of useful items such as a dog bowl, a leash, a dog tag with the Google logo, and a bandana with the Dooglers logo. In some locations, the kit may also include a Google-branded dog bed or a toy. In addition to the welcome kit, Dooglers program offers a range of benefits to Google employees who bring their dogs to work, including access to dog-friendly outdoor spaces, designated dog-friendly meeting rooms, and pet-related events throughout the year.

• Attest: Employees at Attest are entitled to 5 paid days off when they adopt a new pet, and they can also take up to 8 weeks of additional flexible time to spend with their new furry family member. Additionally, Attest recognizes and shares valuable information about every office dog using its internal “Dogtabase.” According to the research of Rover.com, a vast network of top-rated pet sitters and dog walkers worldwide, it’s the Best Dog-Friendly UK Company of 2021.

How to celebrate Bring Your Dog To Work Day? Activities ideas:

This day is a good opportunity for HR departments to organize an event that will help integrate employees. The very presence of animals is an element that will undoubtedly make it easier, but there are activities that will also engage those who for some reason could not take a dog to the office.

• Support local shelter or charity

Encourage employees to make a monetary donation or provide items in exchange for bringing their dogs to work. Fundraisers let employees feel part of a larger change at a small cost and contribution.

• Invite a representative from a local shelter

Let this person highlight their organization’s purpose and provide information about dogs currently seeking adoption. 

• Organize a photo session

A photo session with pets is a great souvenir and an opportunity to show the more human side of your business, which always works great in social media.

•  Packets of goodies

Both dogs and their owners will surely enjoy small gifts. For a dog spending the day in the office for the first time can be stressful, so it’s worth thinking about some surprises.

• Adopt a company dog

It is possible to adopt a pet that does not have to stay directly in the office, but which will be supported with funds from the company. Gowork also supports animals in this way, admittedly not dogs, but our pet is a little mouse lemur!

What if your boss says no?

Even if dogs are not allowed in your workplace, you can participate and contribute to Bring Your Dog To Work Day. You can make a difference by donating money to charities that require support urgently, regardless of how small your contribution is. Additionally, you can spread awareness about the event by using the hashtag #BringYourDogToWorkDay and encouraging others to donate.

Does your company participate in Bring Your Dog to Work Day? Find it on gowork.uk and let potential candidates who would like to work with their pets know.