It may not suit all businesses or all offices, but I’d like to share some of the benefits we have realised by having a dog in the office:
Reduces Stress
There is something about having Sir Henri around that seems to reduce the stress for everyone. When the stress levels start to build and you’re about to reach breaking point, it is amazing how taking time out to have a chat and a pat with Henri significantly reduces your stress levels.
And it’s not one-sided. Sir Henri is a great circuit breaker for stress build up amongst staff. He seems to have the knack of knowing when somebody needs a bit of comfort or timeout and will approach a team member as if to say “Hey, I think you need a bit of timeout, give me a scratch and a pat and chill out”.
We all find ourselves talking to him at various times throughout the day and you cannot help but smile at him. Once you’re smiling, the stress and anger seem to disappear.
Brings the Team Together
Henri just has the knack of bringing the whole office together. After all, he is the centrepiece of the workplace and the one thing we all have in common. Everyone likes Sir Henri and he is the thread woven into the fabric our team.
Encourages Healthy Living
Sir Henri of course needs his own comfort breaks as well as morning and afternoon tea. So staff take turns, or fight for the turn, to take him for his walk outside throughout the day to give him some exercise but guess what? He is actually responsible for getting us up and out to grab 5 – 10 minutes of clean, fresh air and sunlight during the day and what could be better for one’s overall health and productivity than to grab a little exercise during the day.
Increases Productivity
Taking short breaks away from your desk to spend time with Sir Henri or take him for a walk works wonders for our productivity too. Research has found that giving yourself a bit of a breather allows your mind a bit of a break and you return to your work feeling refreshed and engaged.
Softens Separation Anxiety for Staff
Most people are animal lovers and most staff have a pet of their own at home. Whilst they cannot bring their own pet to work Sir Henri acts as a bit of an adopted child to each member of staff.
Great Icebreaker with Clients
Let’s face it most people don’t come to a lawyer’s office because they want to. They are there because they have to and, in many instances, under stressful or emotional circumstances. The last thing they expect is to be greeted in reception by Sir Henri. He’s a great icebreaker and quickly settles any nerves the client may have had.
Invariably he’ll elicit a laugh or at least a chuckle from clients when he walks around the corner to greet them. Like I said, most people love animals and how could they not love Sir Henri.
Of course, we are blessed with Sir Henri’s temperament, because not every dog could be in an office environment and sustain his long working hours!
But Sir Henri loves it. He basically lies around the office and sleeps all day. He is non-threatening, not aggressive, he does not bark, he does not jump up on people, he is not overtly friendly.
He is just happy to be here, to be part of the team and be in the same room as everyone.
Although he has a bad habit of falling asleep during client conferences and snoring, which in some instances is distracting but in most cases, brings a few laughs and reduces the stressful environment.
So if you’re wondering how to change-up your office, why not try a paw workplace, you may be surprised what a difference it makes
By John McLaughlin
Principal, McLaughlin & Associates Lawyers