A dog friendly workplace can be a great way to improve employee morale and make your workplace more welcoming and inclusive.
During the pandemic over a third of employees worked from home and during this time the UK saw a 24% rise in dog ownership.
Post pandemic, many dog owners are now finding it increasingly difficult to pay for services such as dog daycare/dog walkers with the rising cost of living and their employers not allowing pets in the workplace.
Here are some steps your employer can take to create a dog friendly workplace:-
Establish policies: Start by establishing clear policies for dogs in the workplace. This can include rules around which dogs are allowed (size, temperament, vaccination requirements), where they can go and who is responsible for their care.
Communicate with employees: Make sure to communicate the dog friendly policies to all employees and give them an opportunity to provide feedback. It’s important to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the presence of dogs in the workplace.
Designated dog area: Designate a specific area in your workplace for dogs to play and rest. This can be a separate room or a designated area. Make sure the area is safe and secure and provide amenities like blankets, water bowls, toys and beds.
Establish rules for dog behaviour: Ensure that all dogs in the workplace are well-behaved and won’t disturb other employees. Train dogs to be quiet, calm, and friendly around people, and make sure owners clean up after their pets.
Consider allergies and phobias: Take into account any employees with allergies or phobias of dogs. Perhaps have a designated dog-free area for these employees.
By following these steps, you can create a dog-friendly workplace that benefits both employees and their furry companions.
