SKOUT Survey Reveals the Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

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Jun 22, 2016, 07:30 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- June 24 is Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day®, and according to a new survey by SKOUT, nearly half of people (46%) think companies should allow workers to bring their pups to work. SKOUT, the global app that helps you meet new people and expand your social circle, offers its employees a dog-friendly workplace and while the app is all about connecting people, the team at SKOUT thought it would be fun to hear what people really think about man's best friend in the workplace.

Highlights from SKOUT's survey include:

Dogs at work are more popular than you may think!

14% of everyone surveyed say they bring their dog to work, at least some of the time.
People who work in an office are even more likely to bring their dog to work -- with 21% saying they bring their four-legged friend to their workplace.

Dogs can make you happier, more productive and less stressed at work.

74% of people surveyed say that dogs make employees feel happier in the workplace.
- Office workers are even more likely (78%) to think so.
63% of people surveyed say that dogs help lower employees' stress levels at work.
- Among office workers, that jumps to 67%.
43% of everyone surveyed say that dogs make employees more productive.
- Office workers especially think so - with 51% saying canine coworkers enhance productivity.

Dogs give companies a "cool factor."

51% of people surveyed say being able to bring your tail-wagger to work makes your company a cool place to work. Workers age 30 and under especially think so (58%).

Best company perk? Pooches are more popular than ping pong tables.

When it comes to perks in the workplace, the ability to bring your dog to work is preferred three times as much as the option of having a ping pong or foosball table.

One possible problem: getting along with your boss's dog!

9% of people surveyed say the biggest downside of having dogs in the workplace would be having to pretend they like their boss's dog, even if they don't.

Dogs rule, cats drool.

78% of people surveyed say they prefer Take Your Dog To Work Day, while 22% prefer Take Your Cat To Work Day.

"These survey results echo the many benefits we experience of having friendly canines in our office," said Christian Wiklund, co-founder and CEO of SKOUT. "As a company that helps people connect and meet new friends, we can't help but think about man's best friend, too."

5 Tips For Bringing Your Dog To Work:
SKOUT has had a dog-friendly workplace for years, so its employees are no strangers to doggie etiquette in the office. Here are a few of their top tips to share with others considering bringing their dog to work.

Get it approved. Just because others bring their dogs in, does not mean it is a free for all. Make sure you have all the necessary approvals from management, and understand any ground rules, before you bring your pooch. (Ryan, QA)
Don't delegate. Remember that as the dog owner you are 100% responsible, 100% of the time for your pet's well being, behavior, and biological needs. Don't ask your team to walk or clean up after your dog! (Kristen, Human Resources)
Bring on the goodies! Just like people enjoy snacks and games in the break room, so do your dogs. Biscuits and toys can help you encourage positive interactions with your dog and your co-workers throughout the day. (Nikki, Marketing and owner of Apollo, Nova, Stars and Verse)
Remember doggie hygiene. The only thing worse than a smelly coworker is a smelly dog! Give Fido a bath and proper grooming before bringing him to work. (Mark, Creative Director and owner of Spanky)
Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for your dog, too! Feed your dog before going to work, so they don't get "hangry" and nip your co-workers. (Jane, Marketing and owner of Jakey and The Bean-Dog)

SKOUT is celebrating the occasion of Take Your Dog To Work Day by supporting Muttville, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. On June 24, for every free virtual Muttville sticker friends give to each other in the SKOUT app, SKOUT will make a donation to Muttville. Muttville rescues senior dogs, the ones least likely to be adopted from shelters, and finds them new homes and a second chance at love.

"Senior dogs fit perfectly into a workspace, they are calm, socialized and add a soothing quality, and humor to even the most charged and busy office," said Sherri Franklin, founder and executive director at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

This survey was conducted online by SKOUT in June 2016 among 2,244 Skouters in the United States. To view an infographic with the survey results, please visit: http://blog.skout.com/blog/2016/6/19/bring-your-k-9-bestie-to-work-with-you. If you're an engineer who enjoys bringing your dog to work, SKOUT is hiring! Check it out here: http://www.skout.com/jobs.

About SKOUT
SKOUT is the largest global platform for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. The SKOUT community spans more than 180 countries and is available in 22 languages. SKOUT is dedicated to providing a platform through which people can easily and safely connect. The Andreessen Horowitz backed company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco. Visit skout.com to learn more.

SOURCE SKOUT