Dogs
By Langley Cornwell
Many years ago I worked for an uptight company. At this particular organization, we outsourced most of our marketing communication duties to local firms. Luckily, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in a variety of creative environments. As you might expect, most of these businesses had a relaxed atmosphere and an upbeat feeling, much different from the office where I worked. Visiting those creative firms was a nice break from the strict corporate structure I worked in. There was one specific advertising agency that I gravitated towards more than the rest, however, and they continued to earn our business. For some reason their campaigns were especially fresh, exciting and on target. Not only did I find myself granting them the majority of our business, I also found myself spending more and more time in their offices. I liked being there for many reasons but I have to confess, the main I wanted to hang out there is because I fell in love.
I fell in love with their office dog! As I said, the environment I worked in was tight, but when I walked into their workplace I was greeted by a big, goofy, sweet mutt. Being able to step out of the rigors of my job, being able to pet and love and smell a dog in the middle of the day was like drinking a tall glass of cold water on a scorching hot day. Suddenly I had a better perspective on things; suddenly things didn’t seem so difficult. It was wonderful.
The owner of the advertising agency believed that having a dog in the office improved his employees’ creative output. He was convinced that he had a brighter, happier, healthier organization because of their four-legged mascot. I agreed with him, and longed for a job where I could take my dog to work with me.
Most of us know that sharing our homes with pets has a positive impact on our emotional and physical health. The Dogster Blog reports on a recent study in the International Journal of Workplace Health and Management. This study convincingly documents the fact that the positive effects pets have on us extend beyond our homes and into our places of work. I didn’t need a study to tell me that, though. Obviously, the workplace is where many of us spend a great deal of our time.
Being able to take your dog to work is not only good for you, it also benefits the dog. Dogs are social creatures; they love to be with their humans all day instead having to wait it out at home. More and more workplaces are getting on board with this concept. And even if you don’t work for a dog-friendly company like CANIDAE (which encourages their employees to bring their dogs to the office every day), you may be able to bring your pooch along on Take Your Dog to Work Day, which is June 22 this year. If you need some ammunition to convince your boss, visit the official TYDTWDay website.
And me? I finally did get a job where I can bring our sweet dog to work. It’s gratifying to have her with me all day. I feel a sense of calmness when I look up from my work and catch her eye. What’s more, I found that taking her out for breaks and fresh air is as good for me as it is for her. Clearing my mind once in a while allows me to come back to the task at hand with a renewed concentration, which I like. I tend to stay in at the office longer than I used to because I don’t have to rush home and let her out, which my employer likes. And having my dog at work allows me to be more productive and creative, which we both like.
Can you take your dog to work?
Photo by John O'Nolan
Read more articles by Langley Cornwell
- Tips For "take Your Dog To Work Day": June 24, 2011
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © Carrie Boyko Oliver Hard at Work at 5 Minutes for Fido Do you work in an office that allows employees to take their dog to work this Friday? Sounds great, right? Maybe. Success may take a little planning. Here's a few tips...
- Take Your Dog To Work Day Is Friday--need Help?
by Carrie Boyko © Carrie Boyko 2010 My Tie is Crooked? My Bad!Tanner is ready for "Take Your Dog to Work Day". Are you? Recently you may have read my post on Klutz Publishing's dog-friendly office. You can find it at Dog Friendly Workplaces: Insight...
- How Pets Help Children With Autism
By Langley Cornwell Most people who share their life with a pet enjoy talking about how strong their connection is with their animal. They like to discuss how much they delight in spending time with their pet. They share stories that illustrate how well...
- Will File 4 Treat: Take Your Dog To Work On June 25
By Suzanne Alicie We all know that dogs are great companions; we enjoy taking them on walks and to the friendly pet stores that allow them. We make a place for our dogs in our homes and in our hearts. Yet there is one part of our lives that most people...
- "i Knew It Was Going To Work Wonders For Poor Rocco"
This special letter was sent recently to the CANIDAE Customer Support department. It's about a very lucky dog named "Rocco." We hope you enjoy it. In late June, my neighbor found a small dog hiding behind a dumpster and barely alive. The first picture...
Dogs
The Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace
Many years ago I worked for an uptight company. At this particular organization, we outsourced most of our marketing communication duties to local firms. Luckily, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in a variety of creative environments. As you might expect, most of these businesses had a relaxed atmosphere and an upbeat feeling, much different from the office where I worked. Visiting those creative firms was a nice break from the strict corporate structure I worked in. There was one specific advertising agency that I gravitated towards more than the rest, however, and they continued to earn our business. For some reason their campaigns were especially fresh, exciting and on target. Not only did I find myself granting them the majority of our business, I also found myself spending more and more time in their offices. I liked being there for many reasons but I have to confess, the main I wanted to hang out there is because I fell in love.
I fell in love with their office dog! As I said, the environment I worked in was tight, but when I walked into their workplace I was greeted by a big, goofy, sweet mutt. Being able to step out of the rigors of my job, being able to pet and love and smell a dog in the middle of the day was like drinking a tall glass of cold water on a scorching hot day. Suddenly I had a better perspective on things; suddenly things didn’t seem so difficult. It was wonderful.
The owner of the advertising agency believed that having a dog in the office improved his employees’ creative output. He was convinced that he had a brighter, happier, healthier organization because of their four-legged mascot. I agreed with him, and longed for a job where I could take my dog to work with me.
Most of us know that sharing our homes with pets has a positive impact on our emotional and physical health. The Dogster Blog reports on a recent study in the International Journal of Workplace Health and Management. This study convincingly documents the fact that the positive effects pets have on us extend beyond our homes and into our places of work. I didn’t need a study to tell me that, though. Obviously, the workplace is where many of us spend a great deal of our time.
And me? I finally did get a job where I can bring our sweet dog to work. It’s gratifying to have her with me all day. I feel a sense of calmness when I look up from my work and catch her eye. What’s more, I found that taking her out for breaks and fresh air is as good for me as it is for her. Clearing my mind once in a while allows me to come back to the task at hand with a renewed concentration, which I like. I tend to stay in at the office longer than I used to because I don’t have to rush home and let her out, which my employer likes. And having my dog at work allows me to be more productive and creative, which we both like.
Can you take your dog to work?
Photo by John O'Nolan
Read more articles by Langley Cornwell
- Tips For "take Your Dog To Work Day": June 24, 2011
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © Carrie Boyko Oliver Hard at Work at 5 Minutes for Fido Do you work in an office that allows employees to take their dog to work this Friday? Sounds great, right? Maybe. Success may take a little planning. Here's a few tips...
- Take Your Dog To Work Day Is Friday--need Help?
by Carrie Boyko © Carrie Boyko 2010 My Tie is Crooked? My Bad!Tanner is ready for "Take Your Dog to Work Day". Are you? Recently you may have read my post on Klutz Publishing's dog-friendly office. You can find it at Dog Friendly Workplaces: Insight...
- How Pets Help Children With Autism
By Langley Cornwell Most people who share their life with a pet enjoy talking about how strong their connection is with their animal. They like to discuss how much they delight in spending time with their pet. They share stories that illustrate how well...
- Will File 4 Treat: Take Your Dog To Work On June 25
By Suzanne Alicie We all know that dogs are great companions; we enjoy taking them on walks and to the friendly pet stores that allow them. We make a place for our dogs in our homes and in our hearts. Yet there is one part of our lives that most people...
- "i Knew It Was Going To Work Wonders For Poor Rocco"
This special letter was sent recently to the CANIDAE Customer Support department. It's about a very lucky dog named "Rocco." We hope you enjoy it. In late June, my neighbor found a small dog hiding behind a dumpster and barely alive. The first picture...