Dogs In The Office??!?
According to several stress experts, having a dog in the office is a calming influence on workers and helps to lower blood pressure and release feel-good hormones.
Author of Stress Beaters: 100 Proven Ways To Manager Stress (Metro, £7.99), Dr Roger Henderson, says:
“Human feel-good hormones (endorphins) are released with a dog near-by in stressful situations, but it’s a mystery as to why. I would like to see many more dogs involved in working environments.”
Having dogs in the office can reduce coughs, nerves, indigestions and headaches as well as tiredness, and many small companies, particularly in America, are now allowing them.
It has long been known that on average, people with pets are less stressed and that stroking pets helps people to relax and feel good. Apparently, this could be attributed to a reminder of ancient primate grooming urges, although it must be more than that because just having a dog in the room has a similar effect, whether you stroke them or not.
According to one office owner, even having a dog with wind is beneficial, because when he lets off, staff run round the office opening windows, saying “ooh no, Vinnie’s gassed off!” and have a good laugh about it, temporarily distracting them from stress and letting fresh air into the building, invigorating them in the process.
Imagine how negotiations could be far less stressful if dogs were allowed in meeting rooms or board rooms!
In the UK, we have a Take The Dog to the Office day every September, but many companies don’t take part. Maybe they should, and we could really see the benefits.
Next job I have, or if I ever own my own business, Bailey’s coming to the office with me!
Jun 20, 2008 | | News
Loading ...