We at Dogster already know all the benefits that dogs bring to the workplace. We have not one, but three dogs named Moxie running around at Dogster HQ, who help brighten the mood. We like to believe we’re a happy, healthier operation for it.
But we’re not the only ones!
At the Arnold Agency, a marketing communications company with outposts in Washington, Montana, and D.C., Chloe the dog helps alleviate workplace stress with just a wag of her tail.
Theagency promises its clients “Spirit, Passion, Results,” and CEO Linda Arnold credits Chloe — and the other pets allowed in the office — with their success.
“We work so hard in the trenches and in the end, it’s all about getting results for our clients,” she says. “Having pets in our office lends perspective; they can generate energy and enthusiasm, and on the flipside, they also bring calm.”
Though the health benefits of pets in our lives have long been observed and documented, a recent study in the International Journal of Workplace Health and Management demonstrated that the positive effects pets have on us extends beyond the home and into the workplace. That makes sense, since the office is where a lot of us spend most of our time!
The advantages are mutual, since dogs benefit from being with their humans all day instead of locked up in crates at home. Potty breaks and walks help remind workers to take care of themselves as well, and knowing that they don’t have to rush home to let the dog out allows employees to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
The Arnold Agency also recognizes boundaries, and in such a client-oriented industry, keeps its conference rooms pet-free just in case someone suffers from animal allergies. However, the pet-friendly policy doesn’t seem to have ever interfered with business, as clients often ask after the office dogs or bond over a shared love of animals.
Arnold adds, “I think our animals bring out the best in us — they really get to a person’s true, authentic self.”
We couldn’t agree more!
Story and images via The State Journal