After a spike in canine companionship during the pandemic, 59% of UK households now own dogs, a 14% increase on pre-Covid numbers. However, now many of us are back to the office, concerns about leaving our dogs alone have become a major return to work challenge. Luckily, a new study by Instant Offices has found the best dog-friendly office spaces in the UK – so you can work alongside your pet and not have to worry about leaving them at home whilst you head off for your 9-5.
Key Points:
- 59% of households have a dog
- RSPCA recieved a 29% surge in animal rescues since the pandemic
- Online searches for ‘dog-friendly offices’ has almost doubled
- Research shows 66% of people would be motivated to come into the office instead of work from home if it was dog-friendly
What was once a workplace novelty is growing in demand as more consider taking their dogs to work at least some of the time. Aside from the interaction benefitting some dogs, research shows 66% of people would be motivated to come into the office instead of work from home if it was dog-friendly. It’s also a recruitment perk: 82% of businesses say that being dog-friendly has positively impacted recruitment since reopening.
Top dog-friendly offices in the UK
- The Ministry – Borough Road, London, SE1
- Work.Life – Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A
- Labs – High Holborn, London, WC1V
- Clockwise – Edward Pavilion, Liverpool, L3
- WeWork – Various, London
- Boutique – London Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Uncommon – Horsell Road, London, N5
- The Office Group – Albert Embankment, London, SE1
- Fora – Greencoat Place, London, SW1P
- All Work and Social – Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3
Things to bear in mind when taking your dog to work
- Give your dog an office home – Spending time in a new environment can be a lot to deal with for our pets. Consider bringing in a bed and some blankets for comfort for your dog to feel assured that they can relax in the office.
- Plan your commute – If driving isn’t an option, it’s vital to check your dog-friendly public transport routes to work. Try finding routes that will be less packed with commuters and consider travel bags for your dog, especially if they’re a smaller breed.
- Be mindful of others in the office – Although most people love having dogs around and find it helps them destress, it’s important to remember that this is not the case for everyone. Be respectful of others’ space and always ask before introducing your pets to colleagues.
- Ask a coworker to be a helper -There will always be situations where you need to leave your dog alone in the office for a moment or maybe for an afternoon. It’s a good idea to coordinate with a colleague to allow for flexibility and shared care for situations when you can’t have your dog with you.
- Bring along some (quiet) entertainment – Squeaky chew toys aren’t an option, but giving your dog something to do when you need to focus is crucial for both you and your dog. Look into buying some office-appropriate toys for when cuddles have to wait!
For more information about dog-friendly offices click here.
Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.