Dogs in the Workplace

A recent survey conducted by the Blue Cross UK, has shown that dogs create a positive change when permitted in the workplace.

Jane Irvine of Edinburgh, Scotland, has been bringing her terrier cross, Dougie, to work every day since he was a puppy. As chairman of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, she claims that Dougie makes people feel more relaxed when in her office, and makes her feel safer when walking home alone. The study by Blue Cross has shown that having a dog in the workplace decreases absenteeism, increases productivity and greatly improves staff morale. Jane keeps Dougie in her office, with fresh food and water, and always has his dog leash and harness on hand for break time. She ensures that her clients do not have allergies and are unafraid of dogs, before allowing them in her office. The Blue Cross is working to make dog-friendly workplaces a more acceptable and commonplace pracitce in the UK.

Countries such as Canada and the United States have a far greater percentage of animal friendly workplaces than the UK. In Taiwan, almost half of all employers allow staff to bring their dogs to work.