Could dogs be the key to getting employees back in the office?
As workplaces continue to navigate the evolving landscape of hybrid work, a pressing question emerges: could dogs be the key to getting employees back in the office more regularly?
According to recent statistics from a ‘Dogs at Work’ survey by people2people recruitment, the answer may well be yes.
The survey results have highlighted the significant impact of dogs on workplace dynamics. Notably, it reveals that a substantial 75% of respondents have observed improvements in employee turnover and job satisfaction when dogs are allowed in the workplace.
In addition, 78% of pet owners would choose to come to the office more often if it was pet-friendly, and 79% would do so if they could bring their own dog.
The Dogs at Work study revealed key benefits of having dogs in the workplace:
Employee Morale: 75% agree dogs positively impact employee morale.
Stress Reduction: Over 70% agree that dogs reduce stress levels and improve well-being.
Productivity: Over 60% believe dogs have a positive impact on productivity.
Sense of Belonging: Over 65% agree dogs contribute to a sense of belonging and positively influence teamwork.
This survey mirrors global research which indicates that benefits of having dogs around the workplace include enhanced workplace culture, stronger psychological contracts, increased employer brand, lower absenteeism, positive mental health, reinforced organisational values, lower stress levels and increased communication. We can even learn some leadership lessons from dogs!

For the past four years, people2people’s OZTOPDOG campaign has been shining a positive light on the impact of office dogs, but also working dogs such as mobility dogs, guide dogs, custom dogs, police dogs, among others.
In 2024, Edge Recruitment is a proud supporter of this campaign that celebrates unsung canine heroes and highlights the permanent paw prints dogs leave on our lives.
You can nominate your furry friend by 9th August at www.oztopdog.com.au for a chance to win the coveted TOPDOG trophy and prize pack – and the title of Oz’s Top Dog!
