The pros and cons of allowing dogs in the workplace

Having dogs in the workplace is an idea that’s become increasingly popular in recent years. Like most things in business, there are pros and cons to this idea. Before you start inviting your staff to bring their four-legged friends to work, here are the pros and cons that you need to consider.

Pro: They reduce stress

For starters, dogs have been shown to be very effective at reducing stress. Having a quick cuddle, pet, or interaction with a pup that wants nothing more than for you to be happy can help even the worst day at work. A reduction in stress will improve the health and well-being of your staff, which will, in turn, create a number of other benefits for your business in the process.

Con: Not everyone likes animals

As controversial as this statement may be, not everyone likes dogs. This could be for any number of personal reasons, so make sure that you’re conscious of this. Before inviting dogs into work, make sure to consult your staff first.

Pro: Increased Productivity

As we touched on earlier, dogs can help reduce stress. A major benefit of this is that your staff will be more productive. Higher productivity can only be good for your business!

Con: Allergies

If your staff are allergic to dogs, having them in the workplace will make them very uncomfortable. Some allergies may be minor, but the symptoms should be avoided in a working environment.

Pro: Retention and Hiring

Attracting top talent to your business is more important than ever before. Most industries match salaries today, which means you need to offer more to be competitive. Having a dog-friendly workplace can be one thing that will set you apart from other businesses as a candidate. Furthermore, they will help to improve the retention of your current staff.

Con: Hygiene

Dogs will of course impact the hygiene in your office. They may carry germs and bacteria that can be passed onto staff or spread onto surfaces. Whether you choose to allow dogs or not, getting the help of a facilities management company will help to minimize these bacteria pose to your staff through regular cleaning.

Pro: Work-life balance

When your staff head into the office, caring for their dogs becomes a challenge. It can often mean leaving home alone for extended periods without the care that they need. Allowing your staff to bring their pets to work will help to remove this stress, and help your staff to achieve a better work-life balance.

Final Thoughts

Before making your decision about allowing dogs, make sure to consult your staff! This way you can make an informed decision for your team.