A bored dog can be a destructive dog.

Even in dog-friendly offices, there will be long stretches when mom or dad will be in meetings, on calls, trying to focus or using the restroom. Dogs will likely spend a majority of their day lying under a desk, bored or sleeping the day away. That’s not fun or healthy for them. Employees will be balancing their workday with frequent potty breaks for their pups to avoid any office accidents. A dog who doesn’t get the energy release that they need may start to whimper, whine or get into something they shouldn’t in the office, causing even more distractions for their parent and those around them.

Not every coworker is a dog person.

Whether it’s allergies, fears or simple preferences, not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and a workplace should be comfortable and safe for all employees. It can be tough to balance dog needs with respect for colleagues’ boundaries.

Instead of working to fit dogs into the workplace, employers should work to bring better pet service offerings to their employees, think of it as another wellness benefit. By providing access to dog care companies can help reduce stress, improve work-life balance and boost productivity, all while maintaining a positive and focused office culture.

Instant Insights /

Why your 'dog-friendly' office isn't truly dog-friendly (or productive)

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