BRING THE DOG TO WORK

Can you take your dog to work? What a luxury - both for you and the doggie. But it is not only luxurious, it can be purely healthy as well. There is much to suggest that a four-legged friend in a workplace can reduce stress. And this in turn leads to healthier staff, increased well-being and a better working environment.

Dog at work also provides a better balance between work and private life, as you take those shorter breaks that we should all take. Another advantage of a dog at work is that it increases social interaction, where colleagues have something soft, cute and furry to talk about.

THE DOG PROVIDES GOOD ENERGY

There are also studies that show that the productivity of dogs at work increases. And even that employees get more creative by having a doggy nearby. So that you take your dog to work, it benefits not only you - but the whole workplace.

Another advantage of a dog at work is that you simply have to go out for lunch. Regardless of the weather, the doggie needs to get out. That walk makes you both more alert and more productive. Wellness both for the dog and for you. Why not bring a workmate with you on the walk?

WHICH RULES APPLY?

What rules apply to the dog in the workplace? The Swedish Work Environment Authority is the authority that ultimately ensures that the workplace is tidy and there is no rule regarding pets at work. Then of course we have the Animal Welfare Act which will ensure that the animals are always well.

When it comes to pets in the workplace, it is your employer who decides if you can bring the doggy with you, and many workplaces already have a policy regarding animals at work.

What can put a stop to having the dog lying under the desk, it can be, among other things, allergies or dog fear. The Work Environment Act regulates how the environment in a workplace should be. It states, among other things, that the employer must prevent ill health. If the boss believes that a colleague's allergy or fear poses a risk of ill health, then the dog can be banned.

Another reason why the doggie can not keep up at work, may be for hygiene reasons, depending on where you work. Because it is probably not entirely appropriate to have a dog in a room where food is made.

So check with your boss if you can take the doggie to work.

TIPS FOR MAKING IT WORK

It's probably easier to get okay with a dog at work, if the doggie and you take care of yourself. Here are some tips to help you get the doggy fit in your workplace.

• It may be easier to have a dog that is calm. So a tip is that you take a good walk before you go to work.

• A quiet doggy is also more appreciated than one who barks and beeps. Train your dog to unwind and go to bed. Start exercising at home and then try in more messy environments.
  
  
• Bring a vetbed where the dog can sleep.
  
  
• Toys and something to chew on can be a great way to make your dog feel comfortable in the office. Why not give your dog an activation toy to get some brain exercise.
• If you have your own room, bring a compost grid to close the door. That way you know where the dog is, without having to quit the job to check on the doggy.
  
  
• Your dog needs access to fresh water, so bring a water bowl. To reduce the slack around the bowl, a pad may be recommended.
  
  
• Help the cleaning lady by removing the dog hair that gets stuck on the office chair and the sofa. Bring a good clothes roll to be able to roll off the furniture and do not forget to remove the dog hair lying on the ground.
  
  
• When it is wet and gooey outside, your dog will be just wet and gooey. Your employer will probably appreciate you wiping the dog.