Take Your Dog to Work Day

Take Your Dog to Work Day happens on 20th June and has fast become more than just a chance to snap adorable office selfies. It’s now part of a growing trend that reflects just how deeply pets are woven into modern life and how companies are beginning to recognise their emotional importance. From boosting morale to lowering stress levels, bringing pets into the workplace has become a tangible way to enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction.

There’s no doubt, as far as we’re concerned, that dogs in the office encourage social interaction, collaboration, and a more relaxed atmosphere - all of which contribute to a more positive, ‘sticky’ workplace culture where emotionally and socially engaged employees are more likely to stay put. If you don’t believe me, just ask the Kennel Club. According to its research, 70% of people say that dogs alleviate stress in the workplace, and 67% believe they make the atmosphere more friendly.

What used to be considered a quirky or unconventional concept seems to be becoming more commonplace, especially in tech companies, startups, and more progressive work environments. Pet-friendly offices are definitely growing in popularity, with more organisations setting clear policies that support employees who want to bring their pets to work.  Because it’s good for business! A study by the University of Lincoln found that employees who bring their dogs to work report a 33% boost in 'work absorption', a 17% rise in 'work dedication', and a 14% increase in 'work engagement'. The figures don’t lie.

This office pet trend aligns with a much broader shift in workplace culture toward employee-centred benefits that we’ve been seeing for a while now. Companies are increasingly acknowledging that pets are part of the family - and that accommodating them can be a compelling retention and recruitment tool. 82% of businesses that adopted dog-friendly policies in 2022 reported positive impacts on recruitment and retention according to a survey by IFA Magazine.

We’ve been inviting peoples’ pets into the office for years, by the way, but then we are a pet brand marketing agency, so…

The science behind all the tail wagging

Back in 2012, a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who brought their dogs to work reported lower stress levels throughout the day compared to those who didn’t.  We also know that the simple act of petting a dog can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief, while reducing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

Having a dog around can also encourage employees to take short, healthy breaks - stepping outside for a quick walk or playing a few minutes of fetch, both of which support mental resets and physical movement during the workday. Also, arguably much healthier than a Vape break?

The rise of the pet perk

Some forward-thinking businesses are even going one step further by offering pet-related benefits such as pet insurance as part of benefits packages, ‘pawternity leave’ - time off for adopting a new pet or caring for a sick animal, and pet bereavement leave to recognise the emotional impact of losing a beloved pet.

Some also offer on-site amenities like pet play areas and dog treats. Even grooming services are also not uncommon these days, we’re told. Amazon's London office, as just one example, is renowned for its ‘Woof-woof’ policy, allowing employees to bring their dogs to work. We’ve heard that the office features very cool designated dog-friendly areas, including a dog park for socialising and play. Additional perks include pet insurance, grooming services, and special events like ‘Paw to Work’ days.

We’ve not gone quite that far at Nobull (yet), but Margot does join team lunches and has her own desk chair.

So, where are the UK’s most dog -friendly businesses?

According to Brother UK's Dog-friendly Office Index, the top UK cities for dog-friendly offices per capita are:

Manchester: 12.39 offices per 100,000 people

Brighton: 7.91 per 100,000

Edinburgh: 5.38 per 100,000

London: 4.82 per 100,000

Exeter: 4.25 per 100,000

If you work in software development, it’s likely that around 26% of companies will be dog-friendly. Marketing agencies, like us, come in second place with 13%. Then it’s sales (9%), business development (5%) and recruitment (5%).

What’s the future for office dogs?

Right now, there seems to be a significant push in the UK to bring employees back into the office, though the approach varies across industries and companies. A KPMG survey reveals that 83% of UK CEOs anticipate a full return to office work within the next three years. What this will mean for the nation’s ‘working’ canines remains to be seen. Maybe it will only boost the trend? We’d definitely like to see more dogs in the boardroom.