Not Just A Day But a Perk

Since Patti Moran, the founder of Pet Sitters International created Take Your Dog to Work Day, businesses around the country have been allowing employees to bring their well-mannered dogs to the office each year in June. The original event intened to promote the human-animal bond by encouraging postive interactions between employees and canine companions as well as to educate indiviudals about the realities of pet over population. For more information about that day, browse HERE.

But now, in this difficult economy, the landscape of the work environment has changed. For example, businesses of all size have been forced to drop employee perks as revenue decrease. Services like fitness and day-care centers were the first to go, and simpler pleasures like office parties and water coolers are gone, too. As a result, employers are looking to keep employees content in the workplace, especially now with the no raise/no bonus trend.

Even Challenger, Gray and Christmas, the nation's first and oldest outplacement consulting organization firm located in Chicago, suggests boosting morale by companies considering dog-friendly offices, a low cost measure like the casual attire. The Challenger found that 10 percent of its cliets were considering this canine perk.

Moreover, a 2007 study conducted by the American Pet Products Association revealed that the benefits of having pets at work include relieving stress, improving relationships with coworkers, making a happier workforce, and creating an improved work environment.According to the APPMA survey:
55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism
50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps coworkers get along better
38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment
32 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the workplace
37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees
And, 46 million people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours!

Although dog lovers will welcome, the daily perk, not everyone loves dogs. According to our beloved Miss Fido Manners, before you can share the daily grind with your dog , here are a few simple rules to follow.

-Make a favorable impression by arriving with a healthy, clean dog.
-Bring his pet supplies so that he will easily settle down.
-Recognize that your dog is your responsibility.
-When riding elevators, meeting and greeting office personnel, place your dog in a Sit—Stay.
-Be considerate and respectful of those who are fearful of or allergic to dogs.
-If your dog becomes disruptive, be prepared to take him home immediately.
-At mid-day, take a doggy break, because the office can be a stressful place for a pet. Give him the opportunity to eliminate and exercise by taking him for a long walk.

To learn more about Doggy Deameanor At The Office, purchase The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette.