It's All About People

4th July - 3 minute read

Welcome back

Daisy (the dog) in our team was not happy that the edition on 21st June did not focus on National Bring Your Pet to Work Day, so this week I am rectifying that.

This week’s It’s All About People covers:

 🐶 How having animals in the workplace can reduce stress and increase engagement

🐕️ Using animals at work to increase your appeal as an employer

🧹 The practicalities of having animals at work

📸 A good excuse for cute photos of Daisy in the office

📆 Events this month - including a lunch and learn co-hosted by Daisy

Animals in the Workplace

As many of you will know, Daisy joined our team in 2020 (on Zoom initially) and is a much loved member of the team.

We have many clients who will schedule their visits to us based on checking that not only will their HR consultant be there, but also Daisy.

Reducing Stress and Improving Engagement

Research from the Blue Cross and Purina showed

👍️ 81% of Brits believe pet-friendly workplaces are happier

😀 25% of respondents said having dogs around improves human relationships at work

⚖️ 40% felt it enhances work-life balance

Having dogs in the workplace can create a more relaxed environment and certainly in our office Daisy helps relieve any stressful situations with a much needed cuddle.

There are all sorts of programmes that routinely bring pets into places where people feel pressure, stress, sadness or loneliness. Schools, hospitals and care homes routinely welcome animals to boost health and happiness there.

I have seen first hand the influence of a school dog on a distressed pupil, who despite best efforts the teaching staff could not calm down. The school dog simply went and sat next to her, and calmed down while stroking the dog 💗 

If you want to know more about supporting mental health in the workplace (not just dogs!) then do join me for a FREE session on this on 23rd July at 12pm - you can book your place here.

Your Employer Brand

As mentioned having a dog in the workplace is a benefit in itself - for those who love dogs. In a CMI (Chartered Management Institute) poll of 2346 members, 44 % said absolutely to allowing dogs in the workplace.

Pet ownership soared in the pandemic, and research from insurance company Wagmo showed that for 67% of those who did not want to return to the office it was because of their pet.

So it can also be a benefit itself for dog owners. Reducing costs of dog sitters and having their pet with them rather than feeling guilty about leaving them at home all day.

Make sure you add this to your recruitment marketing and in our case we have it listed as a benefit on our website!

The Practicalities

If you don’t have a dog in the workplace yet, don’t assume that everyone will like the idea - so ask first.

If you already do have a dog in the workplace and this is not going to change - make sure this is clear during recruitment in case for some people it would be a reason not to join.

Be careful of allergies and of course fear of dogs. We have a poster on our office door at all times when Daisy is in, so we can make sure if a visitor is not good with dogs she can be in a different room.

Risk assessments are vital - both for colleagues and the dog. So dog-proof your workplace so they cannot harm themselves (e.g. stealing chocolate!)

Have guidelines as to where dogs are allowed and start it as a trial - Nestle gives dogs a three-month probation, which we love!

A good example is Amazon who have had a Dogs at Work programme for over 25 years! The management of this includes:

🐶  dogs can only join a team if the owner’s manager and team are all comfortable with the idea

🐶 the dog must also be vaccinated

🐶 the dog must be housetrained and socialised

👍️ in return Amazon provide plenty of free treats, play spaces and discounted pet insurance.

Final Word of Caution

Daisy also has a habit of falling asleep in meetings, so don’t rely on your office dog for a huge contribution to the growth of your business - but the increased level of happiness from your human colleagues will improve your business results!

That’s all for this week – have a great week all.

Emma 

P.S. For those of you reading this who are members of our HR Hub (I know a lot of you are) we have resources around pets in the workplace, including a Pets At Work Guide and a version of our poster. You can find them in the “What’s In It For Me” area of the Hub.

 P.P.S.  If you are not a Hub member you can join here for only £45/month for all your HR needs.

P.P.P.S If we have not connected on LinkedIn yet, I would love to connect

Events to Join in July (click on the links to join us)

HR Clinic (free to all, come and ask your HR questions) - July 16th 12pm 

Lunch and Learn – Animals in the Workplace (co hosted by our office dog - Daisy) - 9th July 12pm - free for all Hub members or £35/place for non-members 

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace (free session) - 23rd July 12pm 

Menopause Café (free for all to attend, and not just for the ladies!) – 25^th June 12pm 

Excellence Unleashed - Performance Management Masterclass (free to Hub members or £150/place) - 30th July 9.30-12.30pm