Bringing your dog to the office: a fad or a managerial tool? – Insurance for Pets

« Getting people and dogs to live together in their workplace »

Since 2003, the Purina company has been welcoming dogs in its offices!

Its ambition: to demonstrate that the coexistence of humans and dogs in the workplace is positive for companies, as for employees. In support of this, the results of a study carried out in 2017, within the framework of the “Pet at work” program, which updated edifying elements:

• 40% of people believe it improves work-life balance;
• 24% of people believe that the presence of dogs in offices promotes a more relaxed environment;
• 45% of people believe that their dog’s presence helps reduce stress at work;
• 50% of employees who own a dog wish they could bring it to the office.

This same study pointed out  » an increase in the level of performance and productivity, more motivation, involvement, well-being, and a lower level of stress ».

Presence of animals in the workplace: what does the law say?

French law does not prohibit the presence of animals in the workplace, except in the sectors ofpublic administration and food, for obvious safety and hygiene reasons.

Only a memorandum from the head of the company or internal regulations can prohibit this practice. Each company, if it is not in the prohibited sectors – is therefore free to decide whether or not it allows its employees to come accompanied by their pet.

Where appropriate, this right must be framed by the internal company regulations. Whatever happens, the employee remains responsible for all the nuisances that his companion could cause: noises, odors, disorder, etc. as well as the risk of accident, allergies or bites.

It is therefore essential to obtain civil liability insurance covering damage caused by a domestic animal. In addition, decorum recommends, of course, to ask, not only the authorization of his employer, but also of colleagues.

It will also be necessary to ensure that the animal is clean, up to date with its vaccinations, and that in no case does it constitute a danger for the company’s stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, etc.).

Accepting dogs in the office: a tool for employee loyalty?

In 2016, Holidog, a platform for connecting animal owners and petsitters (dog sitters), interviewed 2,730 French people to assess their knowledge of legislation concerning the presence of animals at work, and their perception of the phenomenon. The survey indicated in particular that for 98% of those questioned, the fact of accepting animals gives the company  » a modern image ahead of its time « . Only 2% of the people questioned consider on the contrary these companies  » not very serious or not very credible ».

Thus, while in France, the CHOs (Chef happiness officers) compete for ideas to create well-being in the company and retain their employees, allowing employees to come accompanied by their dogs could become much more incentive than table football or holiday vouchers!

In the United States, England, the Netherlands, or even in Germany, the phenomenon has been established for several years now. Every June 23, the “bring your dog to work day” was established in these countries. About 9% of employers accept pets in the United States; a figure that has doubled since 2014 according to USA Today magazine.

At Google or Zalando, the practice is common. Amazon, for its part, even encourages employees to bring their dogs to the office, by offering treats to the doggie, and walking breaks to the masters … The philosophy: a less stressed master will be more productive, and, if his companion makes him happier at the work, he will be more loyal to the company.

In support of this, an American study carried out by researchers from the Virginia Common Wealth University business school in 2012, which showed – by alternating days with, and days without a doggie – that the mood of employees varied in function of this animal presence. On the days without, the mood was  » slightly more tense, less cheerful « … So, soon will the » bring your dog to work day « in France?