One of the industries that boomed during the pandemic was the puppy industry. Being a breeder of dogs was very profitable indeed, so much so, that the worst in society has prompted a change in the law to prosecute dog theft by up to 7 years in prison. And rightly so.
Many people sought the comfort of puppy love during the lonely pandemic and now many of those people are being ordered back to the office.
But as we know from the myriad of articles in the press, people don’t want to go back to the office and employers are having to persuade (or bribe) their work force to return. One of the carrots in this temptation, is the permission to bring your handsome hound with you.
Early adopters of this perk was industry disrupter WeWork, where Cuddles and Fluffy have been welcome colleagues in the start up and hot desking sector. As a broker in the property world (and a lover of all four legged creatures), I am fully in favour of this. What better way to humanise a sharp suited estate agent, than a resident dog in the office, who greets clients with a friendly wag upon entering the often intimidating lair of a sales office? And also for mental health breaks, what is more distracting from a hellish day than a walk in the park with your furry companion?
What you need to consider for dogs in the office is a lot. For example, how many of your staff will be allowed to bring their dog on any given day? A friendly Fido at the door is great, but a pack of dogs might not give the same welcome.
Perhaps a rota system for your staff is best. Also dogs are just like people and have personalities. Some dogs get on and others do not. Professional dog walkers will always try to group like-minded dogs together and this is something that will need to be done in the office too.
Toilet trained is obviously essential, but hopefully all of that was ironed out during the pandemic. Dogs must be socialised and must not growl at people or create and feeling of unease.
How will employees manage this? Will there be some sort of written agreement similar to having a pet in a block of flats, where permission can be revoked if the dog is a nuisance.
Will the largest corporations be willing to provide a dog minder and walker like they do for child day care. That would be a real attraction when recruiting, along with nap rooms, table tennis and subsidised canteens.
You definitely need to have a place for the dogs to be during the day and they cant be allowed to wander too freely. There will of course also be some employees who don’t care for, or are afraid of dogs, right? How will that work?
Will some dogs be more welcome than others? Everyone loves a miniature Dachshund or a black Labrador, but what about someone turning up with a much misunderstood Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a Doberman. What about a very yappy breed when making phone calls?
Tempting employees back to the office wont be easy and this is definitely something employees are keen on, but I am glad I’m not an employer having to make those choices.
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