Everyone loves the idea of bringing their furry friend to work, and it seems that employers are catching on. While it might be difficult to bring in cats or rabbits, more offices than ever are implementing dog-friendly policies for the benefit of their employees. In fact, studies have shown that dog-friendly workplaces are great at reducing stress, boosting workplace morale, and improving employee retention rates. It’s estimated that 81 percent of employees report that a dog policy makes them more loyal to their company.
Better yet, a dog-friendly workplace is an attractive culture-improving effort which appeals to new employees. In an increasingly competitive job market, introducing dogs to your office is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
If you’re one of the many employers who are thinking of implementing a dog-friendly workplace, here are some of the dos and don’ts you should follow.
Do: Make sure your workplace can accommodate dogs
This is, perhaps, one of the most important points on the list. If your landlord or property manager doesn’t allow dogs in the office, you could be putting your entire company at risk by bringing in man’s best friend. Once you’re sure that dogs are allowed in the building, however, you also need to ascertain your workplace is suitable for dogs.
For example, it’s far easier — and safer — to bring dogs into an office setting than a restaurant or factory setting. Dogs are typically seen in office environments where employees need a break from the monotony of the computer screen. Because there are no sharp objects or workplace hazards, a mellow work environment is the best option to keep your furry friends safe. You may also want to consider the size of your office and the layout of your furniture. A little extra planning goes a long way when you want dogs to feel welcomed.
Don’t: Neglect paperwork
Creating a dog-friendly workplace takes a lot of planning. Before you can bring pets into the office, you need to ready insurance forms, employee agreements, and written rules regarding workplace etiquette.
At the end of the day, allowing dogs in your workplace is a liability issue. While the responsibility of the dog’s actions rests on the shoulders of the owner, you need to do everything you can to keep your employees safe. Most employers demand that dogs are up-to-date on their shots, are comfortable in crowds, and lack a history of aggression. Between dog bites and dog fights, any number of accidents can happen. It’s essential that have paperwork that defines clear expectations.
Do: Invest in cleaning services
Even the most well-trained dogs can have an accident from time to time. Hiring cleaning services might seem overboard for the small business owner, but preventing damage should be one of your company’s top priorities. When your company’s appearance starts to suffer, your employees’ morale will drop, the safety of the dogs is put in jeopardy, and you’ll end up paying more in the long run.
When you start a dog-friendly workplace, you should invest in regular cleaning services. This includes frequent vacuuming, regular mopping, and the carpet cleaning Orlando experts to get the job done right. This will help prevent damage to the carpet and the floor underneath it. Without maintaining the quality of your workplace, you might need to pay for repairs down the line.
Once you achieve these goals, then you can start investing in the fun stuff. Be sure to provide plenty of toys (ones that don’t squeak!), brushes, water bowls, lint rollers, and any other supplies you think your office might need. You should also invest in a few gates and pens to block off areas where you don’t want your dogs to go.
Starting a dog-friendly workplace can do wonders for your office culture. When you’re ready to welcome dogs into your company, be sure to follow these tips.
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