Take Your Dog or Pet To Work

Dogs have been going to work with their masters since the beginning of time.  The sheep herder, the farmer and the dairyman have been pictured with a dog by their side.  It is not surprise that we are reverting back to ancient times and making it possible to have our canine companion along side us in the workplace.  “A 2006 survey from The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) reports that nearly one in five American companies allows pets in the workplace. (Melissa Hincha-Ownby”) The following ten companies have a policy in place where their employees are allowed to bring their pet to work: (see http://www.freekibble.com/)

1. Ben & Jerry's 
2. Google 
3. Cliff Bar
4. Replacements, Ltd.
5. FrameSniper
6. P & G Pet Care
7. Autodesk
8. Build-A-Bear Workshop
9. Klutz
10. Wonderlane 

Why they have done this is simple.  It increases that almighty bottom line!  Employees are always wanting more benefits and having their pet at work is a plus that allows them to be happier in the workplace.  Employers have recognized and known for a long time that a happy employee is more productive and has a lower absenteeism rate.  Dogs in the workplace tend to increase morale and improve relationships between co-workers creating more trust.  What better way to begin a conversation than to pet your dog behind the ears and let others notice his happily wagging tail.  Not many people can resist the loving nature and the natural antics of a dog without making a comment.  The wet touch of a bulldogs nose on your fellow employees arm is also a conversation startle.

A study conducted by Central Michigan University revealed that dogs in the workplace can lead to more trust between co-workers and likewise that leads to more collaboration among team members.