In Canada, “pet friendly” companies do not stop growing after the pandemic. During quarantine and teleworking, the authorities of the North American country estimated that around 200,000 people adopted a pet. Once normality and presence in the office have almost resumed, some companies have not wanted to separate employees from their animals, offering them a new measure: taking them to work.
Companies like the Tungsten Collaborative, specializing in engineering and industrial design, have set standards for those who want to bring dogs into buildings; for example, they should be taken out for walks regularly. In their offices, pets sleep under the desks, play in the hallways and eat in the kitchen, where there are food and water dispensers.
Bill Dicke, manager, explains: “You develop a relationship with your pet at home and suddenly you’re back at work, and they have to be caged for the day or wander around the house by themselves,” he laments. The Tungsten Collaborative’s inclusion on the Humane Society’s list of dog-friendly businesses led to an increase in both business and staff productivity, Dicke said.
According to a recent Léger survey conducted for PetSafe, half of Canadians (51%) support the idea of bringing their dog to the office. The proposal is especially appreciated by the youngest: 18% of employees between 18 and 24 years old say they would change jobs if their superior denied them this option. Nevertheless, the presence of man’s best friend at work can pose certain challenges, for example, for employees allergic to animals or those who are afraid of them. A measure, without a doubt, controversial that the pandemic leaves us again and that is booming in the North American country.
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