Office Pups

Amazon, Google, Airbnb, Uber, Etsy, Ben & Jerry’s, Bissel. What do all these companies have in common?

Dog-friendly workplaces. More and more companies are allowing dogs in the workplace, SHC included!

We have two dogs in the SHC office, Marti (Jennifer’s) and Dewey (mine). Here is where we have pictures of our furry coworkers. Having dogs in the workplace has its positives and negatives. In my opinion, I think the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Pros:

• Reduced stress

• Improved social atmosphere

• Positive effects on mental health

• Personally, I am more productive. Taking little walks a few times a day keeps me alert and focused on my work.

• Cute pups to look at and cuddle anytime I want!

• Reduced stress – I don’t have to worry about my dog having accidents or chewing on things at home. It’s also not a big deal if I need to stay at the office a little longer.

• Higher levels of job satisfaction.

• Endless entertainment.

Cons:

• The barking. When one starts, the other joins; it can be a chorus of barking.

• It’s hard to go run a quick errand at lunch or grab something on my way home.

• Trip hazards! Toys all around and sometimes they move rugs around. Sometimes there’s an obstacle course in the hallway.

• Honestly, it can be a lot of togetherness – Dewey can get on my nerves by the end of the day, and then we still go home together for more quality time.

• Allergies. Luckily, we don’t have anyone who’s allergic at the office – but that would be a definite consideration.

For more information on dogs in the workplace, check out this research paper.

-Jess