With the rise of flexible coworking spaces, gone are the unwritten rules of the archaic formal office. Office spaces are changing, and they are being shaped into places that focus on employee happiness. From mental health days to hybrid work setups, there are several ways that employee happiness is prioritised, another of which is dog-friendly offices. Just a handful of years ago, having dogs in the office for anything more than a quick pop-in was largely unheard of, but now the idea of a dog-friendly office space is no longer a foreign concept. 

We will be exploring the benefits of a dog-friendly office from reducing stress and boosting morale to improving mental health, bringing employees together, to increasing physical activity. 

Dog-Friendly Office Benefits

Here are just some of the benefits of a dog-friendly office, and why you should consider becoming a dog-friendly office space.

Stress Reduction and Morale Boost

One of the obvious benefits of having dogs in the office is increased morale and lower stress. Petting dogs has been shown to reduce cortisol, and it only makes sense that offices welcome dogs into the office. Not only can it help to create a more relaxed work atmosphere, but the stress reduction could also have a positive effect on productivity, too! 

Improved Mental Health

Mental health awareness is on the rise, and for good reason. Finding a good work-life balance and making the most out of our jobs is a growing priority for many employees, and just as remote work is a preference that many are finding has a positive impact, so too could having a dog-friendly workplace.  

Workplace Socialisation

Another one of the benefits of a dog-friendly office is the improved socialisation that the workplace might have. Dog lovers in the office are likely to introduce themselves to all the new four-legged members of their teams and their owners, and especially in larger offices, this could be a great way for colleagues to break the ice. Additionally, going on team walks could be a great opportunity for your team to bond informally without any investment. 

Increased Physical Activity

Office jobs tend to have an extremely sedentary nature that can take a physical toll on both our minds and our bodies. Regular walks and playtime can ensure that employees keep moving, which is not only good for their bodies, but can also help them to find greater focus on their work by having breaks to recharge. Not only could that be a benefit for employees themselves, but this could also be beneficial to companies over a longer period by potentially reducing absenteeism. 

The benefits of a dog-friendly office go far beyond sharing the workspace with our adorable companions, it can also have several physical and mental health benefits. From stress reduction and improved mental health to increased socialisation and enhanced creativity, the positive impact is undeniable. As workplaces continue to evolve, embracing a dog-friendly culture is a strategic decision that fosters a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment. 

If you’d like to learn more about our dog-friendly policies or to learn more about the services we offer get in touch with the Christie Spaces team today.

If you’re looking to find a dog-friendly office space, Christie Spaces is for you. Whether you want to work solely from the office, hybrid, or fully remote, we offer several services such as hot desks to part-time offices, short-term offices, and private offices, as well as meeting rooms, training rooms, and virtual offices, plus plenty of space for your dog to feel comfortable, too.