by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

I’m not woofing you. Dogs can be a terrific addition to the workforce, not just for people who are blind and not only on “Take Your Dog to Work Day.”

Dogs at the office contribute surprising benefits that translate to increased productivity and joy on the job. During the National Happiness at Work Studies, managers, employees, and entrepreneurs told me that pets at work can even decrease healthcare costs.

Many of us cheerfully work overtime hours if a pet is present. Most owners love their dogs dearly. They don’t want to leave them home alone when they come to work, especially if they work long hours. This is particularly true if the person works a job they don’t like and when coworkers don’t reinforce them at least as much as their dog does. Rover is always glad to see us, but our colleagues are not always reinforcing.

Humans are hardwired to be nurturers. We love taking care of pets, including at work. We know we’re needed, valued, and appreciated even if the boss forgets to tell us.

Walking a dog gives us an opportunity to escape a difficult task for a few minutes and breathe some fresh air. During the National Happiness at Work Studies, I heard many comments like, “I couldn’t get the idea I needed until I got out of the office to walk my dog. I forgot all about my worries while watching him sniff around. All of a sudden, what I needed to do to solve a problem was crystal clear.” Taking a minibreak elevates our brainpower and makes us more creative. Some of us don’t take the time to take the break we need until Rover reminds us.

Scientists have proven that people have lower blood pressure and less stress when they’re petting an animal. Even fish in an aquarium calm and soothe most people, but dogs are one of the most reinforcing pets that exist. Unless they’ve been repeatedly abused, they’re cheerful, loyal, and very happy to see their caretakers. In fact, they essentially live to please their owners.

The dog’s emotional brain (the limbic system) resembles ours. This is why we bond so closely with dogs. Their hardwired empathy helps us through tough times.

Employees and managers I interviewed who have pets at work said they have happier, more loyal customers. This seemed to be especially true when the organization demonstrated it was a socially conscious company, such as by having a bowl on the counter where people could contribute to the local Humane Society or an animal rescue fund. The managers of Mail Plus in Chehalis, Washington, for example, were convinced their dog kept their customers happy while they waited in line for service.

Employees usually take turns regarding who bring their pets to work. Some offices have adopted an office pet that employees take turns caring for at night. Employees aren’t just more cheerful because dogs make most people feel special and happy. According to neuroscientific research, when Rover is happy, since his emotional brain is so similar to ours, we instinctively work through our gloomy moods more quickly. We unconsciously want to respond to our dog with a smile.

Canines can be especially helpful in businesses that specialize in helping people with health and emotional issues. Progressive hospitals warmly embrace dog visitation programs because Man’s Best Friend helps cancer patients get through painful days.

One therapist I interviewed uses a dog as his official greeter. Most people become less anxious when a friendly dog shows how pleased he is to see them.
Dogs almost always accept us just as we are. In fact, for some people, nothing makes them feel as worthy and totally acceptable as a dog. Of course, the therapist I just mentioned uses common sense. He makes sure to keep his dog separate from clients who may be dog phobic.

PREVENT THE DOWN SIDE OF DOG DAYS AT WORK

Of course, there are potential problems with dogs at work. Many pet owners think their dogs are more well-behaved than they really are. Dog training is essential before Rover shows up at work with his food dish and blanket.

In the National Happiness at Work Studies, employees reported becoming closer together when they planned a care program for an animal they enjoyed. They set clear boundaries and guidelines and made sure animals were trained, neutered, and their needs were met.

With a little planning, pets can add creativity, productivity, and fun to the workplace. This is only one of over 400 secrets of happiness at work we discovered during the National Happiness at Work Studies. We now know so many creative ways to design work experiences that employees love, from innovative professional development programs to proven conflict resolution approaches, office redesign, and total career makeovers. There’s no excuse not to enjoy your job today as much as a dog loves a juicy bone.

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com and get your FREE Special Report,”25 Ways YOU Can Claim More Happiness at Work” and sign up for your FREE “Joy On the Job Ezine.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach & a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft. Download sample chapters from Dr. Helge’s book, “Joy on the Job” at http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com”

© 2008. Permission to reprint this article is granted if the article is in tact, with proper credit given. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Originally published in “Joy on the Job.” © 2008.

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