Mister Beyer, how do you assess the impact of office dogs on corporate culture, mental health and employee retention?
The world of work has changed fundamentally, especially since the pandemic. It seems as if a profound shift in thinking has taken place in people's minds, based on an increased awareness of their own vulnerability to health risks. Images of the coronavirus pandemic, for example from Italy, have made it clear to many how vulnerable health can be. This has led to a shift in values, manifested in the question: ‘How do I live and why do I live?’ The belief that ‘I work to have a good life’ has become firmly established. These changing values also influence the perception of work and the role of office dogs.
Working from home gave many people the opportunity to experience the presence of dogs. This experience reinforced the shift in values described above. After the pandemic, the Federal Association of Office Dogs found that interest in the topic had increased massively. Companies that contact us have two primary reasons: employee retention and advantages in recruiting. Employees are increasingly asking if they can bring their dogs to work. This applies not only to hip start-ups, but also to international corporations.
What role does your own dog play in your working life and in recruiting employees?
The question of bringing dogs to work is also becoming increasingly relevant in recruiting. My statement since 2016 has been that allowing dogs is not just about allowing pets, but also represents a re-evaluation of the working world, i.e. a change in mindset. Today, close cooperation between all levels of the company is essential. It is becoming clear that many perspectives must be taken into account, not just those from a single management level. Employers have become hosts. Allowing dogs to be full-fledged team members demonstrates this cultural change within companies. After all, ‘guests’ can choose their ‘hosts’, especially in times of skilled labour shortages.
How do office dogs specifically affect employee well-being?
Rituals and habits are essential for our brain, as it thrives on impulses and quick thinking. However, this quick thinking can be misleading, as the brain tends to simplify things into black-and-white thinking. We are currently experiencing the opposite: black-and-white thinking no longer works, and we face new challenges every day. In more and more cases, this leads to an overload of our thinking systems, which can manifest itself in burnout or depression. The brain virtually shuts down due to excessive demands. Statistics from health insurance companies show that this trend is on the rise. Companies need mental resilience to prevent the burnout spiral and remain fully functional.
Office dogs can be part of the solution here. Both dogs and humans release oxytocin while the release of cortisol is interrupted. At the same time, oxytocin also releases dopamine. This allows the dog to help build mental resilience.
What challenges do entrepreneurs face when it comes to office dogs?
Of course, there are also difficulties when it comes to allowing dogs in the workplace: As an entrepreneur, do I understand that I need a resilience programme? It is important to recognise that most people already have an emotional opinion on the subject of dogs. In order to introduce dogs into a company in a targeted manner, adapted change management is very helpful. Pure numbers, data and facts are not enough; you have to engage people emotionally. In my view, the topic of office dogs is no longer a question of ‘if’, but rather ‘when and how?’. However, when it comes to ‘when and how’, it is easy to make mistakes. People, animals and companies must be integrated without disadvantaging any of the groups. Dogs must not be merely a ‘means to an end’; solutions must be found that are appropriate to their nature. Stress must not be taken out on the dog.
Is the topic of ‘dog-friendly workplaces’ also a trend in the international arena?
We are pursuing the topic of office dogs across national borders. In the USA, they are much further ahead on this issue, as the hashtag #takeyourdogtoworkday shows. In my opinion, within Europe, Germany ist the furthest ahead, followed by Austria and Switzerland, and then Spain. We have optimised the American approach in Europe, particularly in the areas of animal welfare and change management.
It is not easy to bring about an emotional change in thinking. How, for example, do you convince people who do not like dogs or are allergic to them? No group should be burdened. This group of people must be protected. There should be no ‘either-or’, but rather a ‘both-and’. How can we achieve both? I believe we have a more optimised approach than the Americans in this regard.
Why is Interzoo a relevant platform for the Federal Association for office dogs?
Interzoo can help to better understand the challenges and opportunities in this field. It’s about applying a “zoom in – zoom out” management perspective. At the world’s leading trade fair for the pet industry, I can see the international landscape and consider what changes I might make as a business to remain attractive. Office dogs have become an important factor for many employees – both in terms of well-being and productivity. Will more staff leave, or are they more likely to stay? And if so, will the best ones leave? It’s about creating transparency and clarity, and offering possible paths forward.
Interzoo is not only a platform for information, but also a space for active exchange. As an international trade fair, it shows how the topic is already being addressed in other countries, such as Switzerland and Spain. This broader perspective fosters new ways of thinking and encourages innovation.
Furthermore, Interzoo itself demonstrates what an open and forward-looking approach can look like: human-dog teams are not only permitted, but explicitly welcomed. This sends a strong message – clearly showing that dog-friendly working environments are no longer a fringe phenomenon, but a sign of progress and appeal.
