Celebrating Bring Your Dog to Work Day Everyday

Today is National Bring Your Dog to Work Day, a day when all pooches large and small get the opportunity to experience their human’s workplace.

At dogIDs, you could say that we celebrate this holiday every day. On a typical day, we have anywhere from 1-4 dogs roaming around our office. We truly believe that having our dogs around us keeps our stress level low and inspires us to provide the best products for them.

To celebrate this special holiday, we thought we’d reflect on our favorite aspects of having office dogs. Each member of the dogIDs team has their own reason for enjoying the team pets.

Bring Your Dog to Work Day

“One of my favorite aspects of having dogs at work is the fun, relaxing atmosphere they can create.”

- Kayla, Graphic Design Assistant

“When you have the friendly, happy energy of dogs around you, I believe it helps you let your guard down and be yourself with your team members.”

- Shelby, HR and Project Coordinator

“Bringing your dogs to work should be in every company's benefit package. It's amazing what a quick game of fetch or a walk around the block can do to a person's productivity. And besides, who doesn't love a slobbery Great Dane resting their head on your shoulder while you sit at your desk and eat lunch?”

- Ashley, Merchandising Manager

“Dogs are our link to a better life. I am reminded by River to step away from the computer, go outside, play fetch, drink plenty of water, and to be happy.”

- Eric, eCommerce Manager

“The excitement begins for me as soon as I wake up because I know that instead of leaving my dogs in their kennels for the day, I will get to spend the day with them. Bringing them to work with me is really an enjoyable experience because I get to mix in some fun time with them during the routine workday. Plus it gives other team members a chance to meet them and hopefully put a smile on their face.”

- Jim, Production Assistant

“I believe the common saying, 'Smiles are contagious,' to be true, but I think this can be extended to happiness in general. And dogs are the dog-gone happiest beings to walk the earth. Having dogs at the office puts a smile on my face and lets me see the direct results of my work through wagging tails.”

- Lacey, Product Marketing Intern

“On those days when things seem overwhelming, a moment with a dog can put everything back in the proper perspective.”

- Clint, CEO and Pack Leader

We hope you enjoy spending extra time with your pooches today and if you’re lucky, maybe you can convince your workplace to celebrate this holiday every day too! The benefits of having dogs in the office extend beyond just stress relief. They can significantly improve employee morale, foster a sense of community, and even boost creativity. Let's dive into some additional reasons why bringing your dog to work can be a great idea.

The Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

Dogs bring a unique energy to the workplace that can transform the environment in many positive ways. Here are some of the key benefits of having dogs at work:

1. Reduced Stress Levels

Studies have shown that the presence of dogs can significantly reduce stress levels in humans. Petting a dog can lower blood pressure and release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Having a furry friend nearby can make a hectic workday much more manageable.

2. Increased Physical Activity

Having dogs in the office encourages employees to take breaks and go for walks. This not only benefits the dogs but also promotes physical activity among employees. Regular short walks can improve cardiovascular health, enhance mood, and increase productivity.

3. Enhanced Social Interaction

Dogs are great conversation starters and can enhance social interactions among employees. Bringing dogs to work can create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere, encouraging colleagues to engage with one another and fostering a sense of community.

4. Improved Work-Life Balance

Allowing employees to bring their dogs to work can improve their work-life balance. Employees don't have to worry about leaving their pets at home alone for long periods, which can reduce anxiety for both the pets and their owners. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.

5. Boosted Creativity and Productivity

Dogs can boost creativity and productivity in the workplace. The presence of dogs can provide mental breaks that refresh the mind and improve focus. Playing with or petting a dog can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, leading to innovative ideas and better work performance.

6. Attraction and Retention of Talent

A dog-friendly workplace can be an attractive perk for potential employees. It can set a company apart from others and make it a desirable place to work. Additionally, allowing dogs in the workplace can increase employee retention by creating a positive and supportive work environment.

7. Support for Emotional Well-being

Dogs provide emotional support and can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Their unconditional love and companionship can improve overall emotional well-being. In the workplace, this translates to happier employees who are more engaged and motivated.

Making Your Workplace Dog-Friendly

If you're considering making your workplace dog-friendly, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone:

1. Set Clear Guidelines

Establish clear guidelines and policies for bringing dogs to work. This includes rules on leash requirements, designated potty areas, and behavior expectations. Communicate these guidelines to all employees to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. Create Dog-Free Zones

Designate certain areas of the office as dog-free zones for employees who may have allergies or prefer not to be around dogs. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable and can work in a suitable environment.

3. Ensure Dog Health and Safety

Make sure that all dogs brought to the office are healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and well-behaved. This helps prevent any potential health issues and ensures a safe environment for all employees and dogs.

4. Provide Essentials

Provide essentials such as water bowls, waste bags, and designated potty areas. Having these items readily available makes it easier for employees to care for their dogs and maintain a clean office environment.

5. Encourage Respectful Interactions

Encourage employees to respect each other's preferences and boundaries when it comes to interacting with dogs. Not everyone may be comfortable around dogs, so it's important to foster an environment of mutual respect.

Conclusion

Bringing your dog to work can be a wonderful experience that benefits both employees and pets. It creates a positive and engaging work environment, reduces stress, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Whether it's for National Bring Your Dog to Work Day or an everyday practice, having dogs in the workplace can lead to happier, healthier, and more productive employees. We hope you enjoy spending extra time with your pooches today and if you’re lucky, maybe you can convince your workplace to celebrate this holiday every day too!

This post is part of RedEnvelope’s #redHoliday project: ‘Workin’ Like a Dog’