February 20, 2012

Dogs and offices can mix well, with a few rules

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Sally the beagle sits on Jamie Silverman's lap as she works with Jared Shechtman at the office of Extrovertic in midtown Manhattan. (The Associated Press)

By Melissa Kossler Dutton / The Associated Press

No one at the Ohio chapter of The Nature Conservancy enjoys going to meetings more than Annie. Once, she was even disciplined for attending a meeting to which she was not invited.

Annie, a mixed-breed dog who belongs to a staff member, is a welcome addition to the office, says Josh Knights, the chapter's executive director, in Dublin, Ohio. "It gives the office a kind of warmer feeling," he says. "Just because we're nonprofit doesn't mean we're non-stress. There's something about having a dog there to pet."

Dogs in the workplace are "a growing phenomenon," says Rebecca Johnson, director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbia.

"People are realizing we need to do things to reduce stress in the workplace," she says.

Dogs can build connections among co-workers and create a healthy diversion from work, Johnson says. People interacting with dogs experience a hormonal reaction that causes them to "feel more relaxed and more positive," she says.

The programs work best, however, when there are rules, human resources officials stressed.

For instance, the experts say, dogs should be prohibited from certain rooms, such as eating areas and restrooms. And companies should allow only dogs who get along with people and other animals.

"Manners matter," says Keeli Hyde, human resource manager at G5, a marketing firm in Bend, Ore.

Not every dog can handle an office setting, she says. A few workers at her company have found that their dogs are too noisy or rambunctious for work.

Pet owners usually make good decisions about whether to bring their animals, adds Jeanine Falcon, vice president of human resources at Replacements, Ltd., a china retailer that has allowed pets in the workplace for about 15 years.

"Trust your employees," Falcon says from her office in Greensboro, N.C. "People know their animals."

The 25 or 30 dogs that routinely visit the company create a positive atmosphere, she says. They provide an opportunity for employees to get to know each other better.
"When someone comes walking down the middle of the warehouse carrying a new puppy, how can you not connect or smile?" she says.

Dorothy Wetzel has noticed that when she or other staff members bring their dogs to work at Extrovertic, a New York-based marketing firm, the office is more jovial.

"There's a smile on everyone's face," says Wetzel, the firm's founding partner. "It causes us to interact more."

The pet-friendly policy also underscores the company's desire to "offer a different work experience" than more run-of-the-mill offices, she says.

"We want people bringing their whole self to work," she says.

Allowing employees to bring their dogs in lets them know that the company cares about their life outside of work, Falcon added. "It says a lot about who we are as a company," she says.

Replacements, Ltd., employee Steve Hyatt appreciates the benefit because it means he does not have to leave his dogs home alone during the day. He brings, Charlie, a beagle, and Mitzi, a mixed-breed, to work three to five times a week.

"I don't have to worry about them," says the Greensboro resident. "There's peace of mind when they're with me."

Dogs also promote some healthy habits for workers, Hyde says.

Walking a dog "forces them to go out and get some fresh air and stretch their legs," she says.

Johnson agreed, even if it's just a short walk during a 15-minute break: "The dogs need it, and the humans need it even more," she says.

In Dublin, Erin Neeb has found a park near The Nature Conservancy where she can take Annie on her lunch hour. And sometimes Neeb, who lives in a condominium and doesn't have a yard, stays late and lets the dog run up and down the hall for exercise.

"I love to bring her in the winter because she doesn't get out to walk and interact with people as much," Neeb says. "It's a good way for her to stay socialized."

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Workplace Topics, etiquette, featured

1 Comments

Molly on February 23, 2012 6:23 PM | Reply

For those of us with allergies, this is a nightmare. Dog lovers never seem to be concerned about people with allergies to their pets' dander. Not everyone loves dogs. Or even if we do like them, we can't be around them long. It's getting to be a real problem for people like me. A friend picked me up for a 50 mile trip and "forgot" to tell me she was bringing her dog along. By the time I got home, I couldn't breathe.

Be a little thoughtful of others around you and don't focus so much on the pet's comfort. Consider the comfort of co-workers and ASK if it's okay before letting Fido or Fifi into the place.

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