Working Paws - Furry Colleagues on the Rise - More Office Dogs Post-Pandemic
Step through the doors of Magnus Hetz's advertising agency in Nuremberg, and you'll be greeted by an unusual security guard. As the door swings open, Klärchen, the French bulldog, bounds in, greeting visitors and sniffing bags - there may be a tasty treat hiding away. This quick ice-breaker is all thanks to Klärchen, as Hetz explains. "You immediately have something to talk about," he says with a grin.
Klärchen has been the unofficial mascot and canine security guard at the agency for seven years, and arguably more than just a social media icon. "She is both a relaxation and security manager," Hetz chuckles, sharing the many facets of Klärchen's office duties. In addition to checking for bagged treats, she offers a cuddly companion to employees, with Anette Rehm, a team member, admitting that Klärchen often joins her at her desk in the winter, providing a pleasant warmth in contrast to the chilly office.
The Current Scene
It may come as a surprise to some, but allowing furry friends into the workplace is not as unheard of as it once was in Germany, according to Nadia Wattad from the German Animal Welfare Association. Large corporations are even embracing the trend. Markus Beyer, the Chairman of the Office Dogs Association, explains, "During the pandemic, we saw a tripling of contacts, especially from companies, including many global corporations."
Wattad attributes this to the labor shortage, which has led HR departments to reevaluate office policies and consider allowing employees to bring their dogs to work as a means of employee retention and recruitment.
Paving the Way for Pets in the Workplace
While having pets in the workplace has no legal right, Siemens has explored implementing changes at various locations in Germany. A potential dog office, where employees could reserve workstations for themselves and their pets, is just one of the ideas being considered as they recognize the growing interest in bringing pets to work.
The company's spokesperson confirms this, stating, "Basically, we see an increased need for dogs in the office because our employees are increasingly asking for this."
Revamping Rules and Regulations
To ensure harmony between the four-legged guests and their two-legged colleagues, companies looking to introduce pets to the workspace should draw up a company agreement, as Beyer recommends. This agreement should outline the obligations and rights of all parties involved, such as setting a designated pet-free zone for employees with allergies or fears of dogs.
Ideally, the company should also appoint a Chief Dog Officer to handle all matters regarding the pets' integration, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with guidelines. Kerstin Drobniewski, who serves in this role at Axel Springer, has been managing the office dogs there for twelve years.
Admitting Only the Best Furry Friends
To protect the overall office wellbeing, potential four-legged colleagues going through the application process should meet specific requirements. Prospective dog owners must provide a vet's certificate, liability insurance, and secure the approval of their colleagues. Axel Springer employs a stringent application process, where interested applicants must fetch a treat from their dog's mouth and demonstrate their dog's behavior under Drobniewski's supervision.
The Rewarding Benefits
Office dogs have been shown to improve workplace satisfaction, efficiency, and employee morale, with studies indicating that they can lead to lower stress levels and increased camaraderie amidst colleagues. Pup-loving employees who don't own pets still benefit from the canine presence, with opportunities to connect with their furry colleagues or take short breaks from work to go for walks or play a quick game of fetch.
Deriving Positive Impacts for Canines
Dogs thrive on human companionship, and a dog-friendly workplace is often the perfect environment. Providing a consistent and positive interaction with their humans, these pets are generally happier and better adjusted to social situations. Akela, a sweet Golden Retriever at Axel Springer, is a prime example of this, spending eagerly greeting his colleagues and participating in enjoyable workplace activities.
A Word of Warning: Not Every Dog is Cut Out for Office Life
It's crucial to consider a dog's temperament and personality before bringing them to work since not every pet is well-suited to life in an office environment. Beyer from the Office Dogs Association explains the importance of matching the right pet to the right job – aggression, fear, or excessive barking are all factors that should be taken into account.
Adding Hygiene Considerations to the Mix
While incorporating dogs into the workplace has numerous benefits, the current pandemic has made it important to employ stringent hygiene practices when interacting with pets. Washing hands before and after contact with pets is essential, and social distancing measures should be maintained to prevent the spread of any illnesses.[1]
Notably, companies like Google and Mars, Inc. have taken it upon themselves to create pet-friendly workspaces that encompass dog parks and play areas, helping to further support employees who bring their dogs to work.[2]
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