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All this year we've been talking about no-cost benefits you can give to your employees and this month's will probably be the most unusual and memorable.
So, just to get a context on this and before we go too far, go to www.takeyourdog.com and see what we're talking about.
June 25th is the official "Take Your Dog to Work" day and it is big! If you already went to the link above, you know how big it is. If you haven't, go back and click on the link.
People love their dogs. And, they love to talk about their dogs and show pictures of their dogs and if they could bring them to work - by God, they'd be in Heaven!
So, that's what June 25th is all about - take your dog to work.
But, there's a caveat here. I can imagine you are already picturing dogs fighting, yelping, barking, peeing and displaying other annoying behaviors just when you are trying to make one more sale, one more dollar and possibly eke out a little profit this year. Actually, this year - break-even is the new profit!
Here's the thing about dogs, though. Your employees love them passionately. They will spend tons of dollars on their dogs. They love them with a "no expectations" love and it's been proven, time after time, that dogs (and really all pets) give companionship, friendship, and continuity when life can sometimes get rocky. Actually, if you're 30 +, it's already rocky.
So, in the spirit of no-cost benefits, here's what we suggest: instead of "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (and end up in a tangled mess of dog leashes), coordinate a "take your dog to work week." If dogs haven't been in an office before, they do have to get acclimated. They have to learn how to behave and how to conduct themselves in a business environment. But, dogs are smart - they'll pick it up fast if you give them a chance.
Two examples for you: HR Resolutions
Several years ago we bought the building in our current location so that I could bring my "babies" to work with me. They're Greyhounds (Click Here to see lots of pictures) and I am very active in helping the Greyhound Community to get these beautiful dogs into homes where they are loved and cared for after they "retire" from their racing careers.
So, for us - every day could be "Take Your Dog to Work Day." We find that our dogs bring a calm serenity to the office, they help us to stay relaxed and yet focused and they make each day just a little more meaningful.
Example number two: North Star Marketing
We work with North Star to help us market our company, to keep our awareness high and to bring new clients on board. And, they do a great job of that.
But, part of what I love about North Star is that they've been bringing dogs to work for years. Kylene Conrad brings her cute, little Shitzu "Luke," in at least once a week and he has his own page on their website. Click here to see cute pictures of Luke.
In addition, Rachel Hatz, program director for Star Speakers, a division of North Star Marketing, brings her Black & Tan Coon Hound, "Chloe," into the office and Chloe has found that she loves to hang out with Deb Sprout, the receptionist and data specialist. Click here to see pictures of Chloe.
What's not to be missed about dogs in the workplace is the following:
- They bring out the human side of people
- They are a way for people to connect
- They are a way for people to express themselves
- They are a way for people to forget work, the grind of the everyday, and have a moment of pure slobbery joy!
Try it for a day. Try it for a week. You will find that people are more relaxed, comfortable and accommodating than you expected.
Don't forget to check out the official website for some guidelines for "Take a Dog to Work" day. www.takeyourdog.com
And, as always, remember us when you have problems. And, maybe I could bring my dogs to your office and it would qualify for your "Take Your Dogs to the Office" try it out time! Okay, we'll talk.
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