By Indiana Lee on May 1, 2023
When most pet owners leave for work in the morning, they are forced to say goodbye to their pup and drive to the office. Imagine if you could bring your dog with you and not only keep him by your side, but also stimulate your activity at the same time. This is possible with the right strategy and expectations. Your four-legged friend will not only improve office morale, but could also help increase your income.
Today we’re going to talk about several reasons why business leaders should allow their employees to bring dogs to work, why they can be good for business, and steps you can take to reward your dog for tough working day.
Reduce employee stress
The first step to increasing revenue and sales for any business is to have a motivated, happy and stress-free work team. There are several proven ways to reduce stress at work, such as offering paid time off, excellent health insurance, and the occasional free lunch, can all help reduce anxiety. But business leaders who are hesitant to implement a dog-friendly policy should consider the benefits of taking employee retention and relaxation to the next level.
For example, management can help the team by including the dogs in moments of relaxation. What better way to feel cozy than to take your lunch or a 15-minute break and use that time to pet or play with your dog?
Another way to reduce stress at work is to stay active whenever we can get away from our desk. We often want to exercise more, but maybe we need an excuse to get up and move. Well, when your employee’s dog needs walks and potty breaks, there’s no reason not to get outside and get some fresh air. Once outside, they can spend time playing with a ball or frisbee, and their stress will disappear. When they return to work, they will feel relaxed and motivated to face the rest of the day.
While the benefits of having dogs in the office may make the idea seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to think about how you can make your office dog-friendly. Consider having a dedicated power area that can be easily cleaned and away from high-traffic areas. Be sure to pet-proof your office so that visiting dogs can’t get into anything they shouldn’t. Make sure you have policies regarding the types of training a dog must undergo to be present in the office. Finally, you must also consider the feelings and concerns of your employees. You may need to provide areas in your office where dogs are not allowed or limit the number of dogs allowed in the office at one time. Consulting with your employees beforehand will help your dog-friendly office work best for everyone.
Increase employee happiness
In addition to reducing employee stress, allowing employees to bring their dogs can also make them happier at work. Workers will be excited to bring their dogs to work because they can spend the whole day with their best friends. Plus, when the pet is there with them and they don’t need to pay for pet sitters, dog walkers and kennel fees, they will save money and be even more cheerful .
When people are happy at work, they tend to perform better and take more pride in their work because they are genuinely happy to be there. If you are recruiting and seeking qualified candidates, you may attract a broader pool of applicants if you clearly state in job postings that you allow dogs. Customers will be more willing to return to a company when its employees are happy and eager to help them.
Use dogs in your marketing
While it may be easy to see the morale benefits of having a dog in the office, you may not realize that your pooch could actually become the face of your organization. It may seem strange at first, but you can use your dog as a mascot or character that appears in your social media marketing materials and at trade shows to attract new customers.
Think about it. To create a constructed asset social media marketing strategy, you need to have a way to make your commercials and announcements authentic, and a dog can provide it. When customers see that your organization is run by people who have real lives and own pets, they may find that you are more approachable and they might be more likely to spend money with your organization. People also crave an emotional connection, so tap into that strength. Produce a behind-the-scenes video of your employees playing and interacting with their dogs. Customers who also have dogs or want to have one one day will be attracted to this type of content. Your ad can touch their hearts and encourage them to discover your business.
There are several ways you can incorporate your dog into your social media and ads. It’s easier if you sell dog-specific pet products and can show off your pup in the post. However, you can advertise any other product and have your dog interact with the item or just be there to add character to the photo.
You can use your dog in many different social media posts, including the following ideas:
- Share a photo of your dog with an inspiring or funny quote.
- Share animal tips.
- Share how-to posts.
- Show pictures of dogs.
- Share a funny video of a dog with your product.
- Share a photo of a dog riding your product.
- Make your dog talk with text or voiceovers.
Let them entertain your guests
If your business plans to use a showroom or there is a lobby where customers come to do their business, you can try using dogs to entertain them or put them in a better mood . Their presence could be enough to attenuate a commercial exchange.
Even if your company’s employees don’t own pets, it may be a good idea to have a “pets allowed” policy where customers can bring their dogs when using your services. Many people take their dogs with them when they go shopping. If they have a choice between your business that allows pets and a competitor that doesn’t, then choosing you may be a no-brainer.
Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy at Work
In case you incorporate dogs into your business model and allow employees to bring them into the office, be sure to reward the puppies and reimburse them for their help. Even if you are have a busy day at workThere are still ways to show your dog the love he deserves while hanging out at the office.
To start, check their bowls and make sure they have enough food and water to keep them full and hydrated during long days. Plus, even if you’re in the middle of a major project, there’s really no excuse to ignore your pup. Be sure to take a quick break to show your dog some affection with a hug or rub under the chin or behind the ear.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there are many reasons why business owners should seriously consider keeping dogs within their business, even if it’s part-time. While this won’t be right for everyone, it’s a wise decision that could put your employees at ease and increase your sales numbers.