Dogs at work boost productivity

Hard on the heels of the NZBusiness story ‘When Pets Go to Work’ (August 2016) comes a new survey that reveals more than half (55 percent) of New Zealand companies regularly have canine visitors at work.
The survey of 31 employers representing over 7000 employees by recruitment agency, Frog Recruitment, marks the start of the search for New Zealand’s 2016 Top Office Dog. The annual competition runs until 10 August and is organised by Frog Recruitment to highlight the benefits of bringing a dog to work.  “It’s well documented that dogs in the workplace are good for wellbeing and motivation,” says Frog Recruitment Director Jane Kennelly.  

“Within the broader context of the talent economy we have researched a range of factors that influence productivity and performance at work.  Having dogs in the work environment can buffer the impact of stress during the workday for their owners and make the job more satisfying for those with whom they come into contact. There is definitely an increasing ‘cool factor’ of having a dog in the office” says Frog Recruitment founder Jane Kennelly.

“The Top Office Dog competition is a way to celebrate our canine friends that come to work and make it a better place to be,” says Kennelly.

While survey participants from larger corporate organisations generally noted they were not allowed to bring dogs into the office, the practice was commonplace in smaller companies and creative industries such as advertising and media companies.

Pet friendly policy is not limited to dogs, for one company surveyed cats were welcome with two regularly staying for the day. 

New Zealand’s Top Office Dog competition runs from 25 July to 10 August.  Judging will be undertaken by Animates and Frog Recruitment, with the winner announced on 12 August.

To enter, like Frog Recruitment on Instagram, upload a picture of your workplace dog using the hashtag #nztopdog.  Include the name of the dog, business name and reason for nomination in the comments box.  

The prize package includes a studio ‘Dography’ photo session with Mish O’Neill, Animates vouchers, Revolution Dog Flea Treatment courtesy of Zoetis, Karen Walker dog accessory, Mr Soft Top voucher, Doggles and the coveted NZ Top Office Dog trophy.

Humphrey Hanley, owner of the 2015 New Zealand Top Office Dog winner, Whisky who spends his days in Contact Energy’s Wellington office agrees completely. “Bringing a dog to the office really brightens up everyone’s day and has a positive effect on workplace culture, which is evident by the smiles on the faces of people we meet.”