‘Take your dog to work’ day
This Friday is the annual ‘take your dog to work’ day, another of those annual events with the same stigma attached as ‘talk like a pirate’ day – perhaps meant as a joke, and nothing to be taken seriously. Pet owners may, however, be interested to know that having an animal in the workplace may actually help with stress and depression in the workplace, according to a series of research undertaken in America.
Taking a dog into the workplace is said to add more than just a light-hearted part of the day; the research states that office with dogs were run more smoothly and had a better capacity for stress when the employees could take a few minutes to stroke a dog after a stressful meeting or before an important deadline. But could the research really have any truth behind it?
Dr Roger Henderson states that ‘stroking a dog releases feel good endorphins. The benefits of keeping a dog in the office include reduced nerves, indigestion, headaches, coughs and tiredness.’ We’re constantly bombarded with advertising about endorphins, vitamins, minerals and products that make us feel good, so it is a relief to have something as simple (and free!) as stroking a dog to help us get that feel good factor during the day.
Desmond Morris, a Zoologist and people-watcher who has taken part in this research, stated that ‘stroking a dog is an outlet for primal grooming instincts,’ but went on to say that it wasn’t entirely about just stroking a dog; the research found that simply having a dog in the same room encouraged a happier working environment.
If you want to spread the feel good factor, or wish to make your office a happier place, why not ask if you can take part in ‘take your dog to work’ day this Friday and see how much of an improvement it makes in the office – your dog will certainly be happy with all the attention! Don’t forget to pack a few treats and toys to keep him busy, and you can both have a brilliant day.
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