Creating A Dog Friendly Office

The Dog Days Are Here!

After the pandemic, many companies are rethinking their policies on dogs in the office. And we’re not just talking about the occasional visit from an employee’s four-legged friend. More and more businesses are adopting dog-friendly policies, and it’s not just because they’re trying to be more fun or attract millennial employees.

There are plenty of studies that show that having dogs in the office can boost productivity and morale. One study found that employees who brought their dogs to work reported feeling less stressed than those who didn’t. And another study found that people who worked in offices with dogs had higher job satisfaction levels than those who didn’t.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal outlined how the return to the office by pet owners has triggered anxiety attacks for dogs left at home. At the height of the pandemic, lots of pets enjoyed nearly constant attention, playing and veg time with their owners. But when restrictions relaxed, and workers returned to the office pets were left alone. Ped Meds reported a 26 percent increase between 2019 and 2021.

If you are a business owner and you are considering allowing your employees to bring dogs, and the landlord allows it, here are some tips on creating a dog-friendly office.

First, set some ground rules. Decide where the dogs will be allowed and where they will not be allowed. You may want to have a designated dog area or allow dogs in certain areas only at certain times. You will also need to decide what type of behavior is expected from the dogs and their owners.

Second, make sure you have the proper insurance in place. Check with your insurance agent to see if your current policy covers dogs in the office. If not, you may need to purchase additional liability coverage.

Third, create a pet policy that all employees must sign before bringing a dog to work. This policy should outline the rules and expectations for both the dog and the owner. Be sure to include a clause that allows you to revoke the privilege if the policy is not followed.

Fourth, provide some amenities for the dogs, such as a water bowl and some toys. You may also want to create a dog-walking schedule so that someone is always available to take the dogs out for a “bio break.”

Finally, make sure you talk to your employees about your new policy before they bring their dogs to work. This will help everyone be on the same page and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the new arrangement.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make your office more productive and your employees happier, you might want to consider letting them bring their dogs to work. Just make sure you have a good cleanup plan in place first.

With these tips in mind, and if you are ready to make your office more productive and your employees happier, you might want to consider letting them bring their dogs to work. As with any adjustments to your office space, furnishings, and policies, take your time to find the perfect pieces for your office, and don’t forget to contact an office furniture supplier for assistance. With a little bit of planning, you can create an office that’s both stylish and functional – and your employees will thank you for it.

RJ Furniture will help manage every step of your project. Our service-based approach means we don’t just sell furniture, we work with you to review your entire workplace and craft recommendations that will transform your space.

Your partnership with RJ doesn’t just end after the last desk or chair is in place. From reconfiguration to relocation to reconstruction, our goal is to remain a valuable resource for your business year after year. Our goal is to deliver value-based solutions to create productive and thriving workspaces by providing office furniture for every size and type of business.

RJ Furniture, a new and used furniture resource in Waukegan, IL, has been serving all of Lake County, Southern Wisconsin, and the Chicago area for 40 years. To learn more about RJ Furniture’s inventory of new office furniture and refurbished office furniture or inquire about office furniture liquidations email us at [email protected] or call (847) 473-2563.