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 www.cbdboss.us 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.