A COMPANY which has been welcoming dogs into its offices for almost two decades has drawn up a blueprint for other firms considering following suit.
Bosses at pet emergency service Vets Now, based in Dunfermline, Fife, have been allowing staff to bring their pets (aka canine colleagues) to work since the business was established in 2001.
Their intention, similar to an estimated one third of UK businesses who have adopted a dog-friendly office, was to make their workplace a more relaxing and enjoyable place to be and they have a ‘dog policy’ (which they’re making available for other businesses to download, here) in place to help achieve this.
Mark Ross, chief executive of Vets Now, who are among the sponsors of Bring Your Dog to Work Day on June 21, said: “I’d encourage any company considering a dog-friendly office to give it a go.
“I don’t think there are many businesses that have been welcoming dogs into their offices for as long as Vets Now.
“But we’re proud to have pioneered this and it’s proven to be a real boon for our staff. The whole experience has been overwhelmingly positive for us.
“There are several benefits to having dogs in the workplace. For example, research shows they help lower stress among staff.
“But in addition to that, studies show they also help increase cooperation and people who have dogs at their feet are perceived as more friendly and approachable.
“It also gets people on their feet, away from their desks, helping foster discussion and collaboration.”
