naturalpet
why more offices are
going to the dogs
pets can reduce stress
in the workplace
by stephen Humphries
p
eriodic ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ days may remain special events for know each other as individuals.
many workers, yet pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise. They’re part “We try to break down barriers
of a broader shift, as younger generations reject formal office culture in between people,” says Alexandra La-
favor of more fun and fulfilling workplaces. But wider adoption of the benefit Master, the company’s vice president
likely will depend on how companies handle issues relating to the comfort of talent. “So, when you come into
levels of other workers. conflict with each other, you resolve
“There are more companies that are shifting toward offering dog-friendly that in a better way and you’re more
work policies because they can use that to attract employees,” says Cameron honest, in a direct manner. [Having]
Woo, publisher of Bark magazine. According to the Society of Human Resource dogs at work is just another way of
Management’s (SHRM) 2007 Benefits Survey, 6 percent of respondents allow being more genuine and who you are,
employees to bring pets to work, up from 4 percent the previous year. A new at work.”
survey of 1,000 adults by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association The canine companions also offer
found that 17 percent are permitted to bring pets to work. a constructive form of stress release.
Advocates believe the practice benefits both employers and employees. “I’ll sit and play with the dogs for a few
People working long days can bring an element of their home life into the minutes after a hard meeting,” grins
workplace, while those who work regular hours needn’t get antsy about dashing Jess Frykholm, a Sermo employee.
home to walk the dog. Another plus: not having to pay for a dog-sitter. Tech firms like Sermo were
But the biggest gains may be the effect on the work environment. At Web among the first to turn office cubicles
company Sermo, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the philosophy is that the office into kennels. These companies need
animals—which include a rabbit and iguana—encourage employees to get to to innovate, but employees can’t be
30 Phoenix
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