Our incredible scientists have created a vaccine and our due diligence to stay home has allowed us to get to the other side of the pandemic. The economy is opening and we are slowing experiencing our lives in the way we knew them prior to the pandemic. 

I say “experiencing our lives in the way we knew them prior to the pandemic” but that is really far from reality.

Everything has changed. 

During the pandemic we were required to make a huge shift in the way we did things. Work from home, kids accessing school on line, families at home together all day just to name a few. 

It was a difficult transition. Being the resilient humans that we are many of us began to embrace the changes.

We may even have adopted a lifestyle that provides us with more time freedom. We may have deepened the relationships with our immediate families within our households. We may even love working from home. Putting the dinner in the oven before our last meeting. We may even have acquired a dog to provide us with the comfort and companionship we missed by not seeing our colleagues on a daily basis. 

Adding a dog to our lives, during the challenging times of the pandemic, has provided the unintentional data, that dogs included in our everyday lives, as non-judgemental, supportive co-workers, works.

Our dogs whether they were acquired during the pandemic or we already had them have also enjoyed a life full of joy. Being with their people is their biggest happiness.

As things transition back employers have big decisions. Many of the answers are not available yet as it is still too early to know how it is all going to transpire. 

A crystal ball we do not need to know that their employees will be facing new stresses. 

Return to the workplace for them, back to inperson learning for their children, resuming activities…hockey, music lessons, dance, swimming, chess club. Commuting hours added back into the day, what to cook for dinner and do we need to shop for the ingredients. I could continue but I am sure you have the idea.

One of the biggest stresses is “what do we do with the dog?” Everyone is leaving the home for 8-10 hours a day. You can’t leave a dog that long can you? Is it fair? They have never been left alone or they are not used to being left alone anymore.

Is there a doggie daycare and what will it cost? Can I get a dog walker? The answer to those questions is absolutely, yes.

Employers what if I told you there is significant research out there to support the benefits of dogs in the workplace.

https://habri.org/blog/shareable-infographic-now-is-the-time-for-pets-at-work/

 “Pet- friendly” workplaces are more engaging and attracting for employees. A friend just told me who works in corporate that if she were to look for another job her biggest attraction to a company would be “dog-friendly.” She would take less money to be able to take her dog to work with her. My favorite years in education was when I was taking Charity to my classroom everyday. She was the happiest as well as dog’s need a purpose. 

https://charitysweetlegacy.com/charitys-sweet-legacy-the-power-of-the-canine-human-relationship/ 

I witnessed this in my classroom. Community can be transformed to a culture of a more caring, inclusive workplace. Dogs are the perfect example of demonstrating that everyone matters. They do not care about your years of experience, your religion, your corner office, they think everyone is worth getting to know. When you are not judged and accepted and loved unconditionally it is the greatest gift to self-confidence and positive mental health.

Imagine Being Able to Transform Your Business!

I can tell you so many more benefits of having dogs in your everyday life and workplace. 

Anxiety reduction, the calm energy of a dog who is happy all the time, how can you not synchronize with that relaxed, joyful approach to life. 

Improved fitness, dogs need and love to get outside for walks. Instead of one more coffee jump on the excited energy when it is break time and your dog begins to associate the time of day with an outdoor walk. Best way to re-charge getting fresh air and some extra steps. 

Positive mental health is a critical component to the benefits of being around dogs. Even the basic training required to safely take a dog into the workplace provides the opportunity to teach and be a leader to your dog. Dogs give immediate feedback and buy in so readily to the reward you offer for doing what you have requested. It feels so good to train your dog and see results. 

Dogs love to please and to hang with a fluffy co-worker who spreads joy everywhere they go is a game-changer for everyone.

What if you could adopt new Social Responsibility Initiates for 2022?

Equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our lives needs to be at the forefront of all of our decisions. Pet owners have reaped the benefits of healthier lifestyles and a positive mental health while working at home. Children have bridged the gap of social emotional learning while not in school by learning to care for a dog. The whole family has enjoyed a sense of compassion and understanding as each member matters in their own special way due to the unconditional love of their dog. 

It makes so much sense to extend this post-pandemic as we transition back to life. 

Employee pet owners deserve to be seen as not only a diverse group needing an equitable workplace that is inclusive of their dogs, but also as a group of leaders who can transform a business into the ideal place to work for everyone.

Be a Innovative Business Leader!

It will be very exciting to see human-centered businesses adopt the number of different ways that dogs can be integrated into the everyday life at the office. 

If you want to learn more about how to set up a Dog Friendly Workspace check out http://www.charitysweetlegacy.com and subscribe to Set up a Dog Friendly Workspace in 5 Days.